Let the nymph still avoid (James Oswald)

Music files

L E G E N D

Disclaimer

How to download

ICON	SOURCE
	Web Page
	File details
	Help

• (Posted 2022-05-15)  CPDL #69246: 

Editor: Christopher Shaw (submitted 2022-05-15).   Score information: A4, 3 pages, 322 kB   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: Please click on the link for preview/playback/PDF download.

General Information

Title: Let the nymph still avoid
Composer: James Oswald
Lyricist: Tobias Smollett
Number of voices: 1v   Voicing: solo high
Genre: Secular, Aria

Language: English
Instruments: Basso continuo, violin accompaniment

First published: 1762
Description: This version from "Calliope and Euterpe or British Harmony", London, 1762; a collection of songs, many of which were composed for the London pleasure gardens.

Original text and translations

English text

Let the nymph still avoid and be deaf to the swain
Who in transports of passion affects to complain,
For his rage, and his love, in that frenzy is shewn,
And the blast that blows loudest is soon overblown.

But the shepherd whom Cupid has pierc'd to the heart
Will submissive adore, and rejoice at the smart;
Or, in plaintive soft murmurs, his bosom-felt woe
Like the smooth gliding current of rivers will flow.

Tho' silent his tongue he will plead with his eyes,
And his heart own your sway in a tribute of sighs;
But when he accosts you in meadow, or grove,
His tale is so tender, he loves like a dove.