| Citation |
RNYG.783.167
18 Oct 1783:22 (737)
THE GIRDLE, a favourite Cantata.
Sung by Mr. Arrowsmith, at Vauxhall.
Composed by Mr. Arne.
Recitative.
To try a shepherd, once a fair one plac'd
A favourite girdle round her slender waist:
This girdle now shall part me into two,
Gay Phillis cries, and either half's for you;
Make then your choice, and take which share you like,
As passion or as sentiment shall strike:
The artful Strephon soon his silence broke,
Look'd at the nymph, and thus his rapture spoke:
Air.
Then give those looks that speak and tell
The harmless breast and heart sincere,
Where honour, truth, and virtue dwell,
And what can life itself endear;
That wit and wisdom still be mine,
The flowing tongue, the temper free--
Below the girdle I resign--
The upper half, dear girl, for me.
. . . [one more recitative of 4 lines and one more air of 8
lines]
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