Act 3 — SCENE IV.——LOVE, PSYCHE.
Charles Heron Wall translation
Love. When you shall show them this blissful seat, make them a thousand gifts from these treasures; lavish on them endearments, caresses; and, if possible, exhaust the tendernesses that blood demands, so that you may yield yourself entirely to love. I shall not importune you with my presence, but let not your meeting be too long, remembering that you rob me of whatever attention you pay them.
Psy. Your love grants me a favour, which 'twere not possible for me to abuse.
Love. Still, let us visit these gardens, this palace, where you will meet naught but what will pale before your dazzling charms. And you, little Cupids, you, young Zephyrs, whose souls are but soft sighs, vie with each other in showing what joy you feel at the appearance of my princess.
THIRD INTERLUDE.
Entry of ballet, composed of four Cupids and four Zephyrs, twice interrupted by a dialogue sung by a Cupid and a Zephyr.
Love, Psyche.
Part I.
A Zephyr.
Ye gentle youth, follow Love's sweet and tender glow; In happy days and fair, From passion's joys do not forbear.— 'Tis to deceive they tell you, aye, You should avoid the wooing sigh, And fear the pressing suit.— 'Tis now the time to learn What fires within you burn!
They sing together.
All gentle hearts in turn With love must glow; And greater charms that burn A greater debt will owe.
A Zephyr (alone).
A youthful heart and tender At last must yield surrender.
Both (together).
All gentle hearts in turn With love must glow; And greater charms that burn A greater debt will owe.
A Cupid (alone).
What boots to play the truant's part, And shield yourselves against the dart? The sunny day is flown and gone, The hour lost may ne'er be won.
Both (together).
All gentle hearts in turn With love must glow; And greater charms that burn A greater debt will owe.
Part II.
A Zephyr (alone).
Great Love hath potent charms; To him we yield our arms; His cares and sorrows sweet Have, too, their joy—though fleet! To follow him, all hearts Would court a thousand darts. If we would taste his deep delight, Ah! we must pine till fades the light Before our eyes. A worthless life it is—when love Fills not the heart it fain would move!
They sing together.
In love if we must grieve and sigh, A moment's bliss still well repays The ills and woes of many days.
A Zephyr (alone).
'Midst hopes and fears, And mystery and tears, We cannot, without the touch of pain, Bliss seek again.
Both (together).
In love if we must grieve and sigh, A moment's bliss still well repays The ills and woes of many days.
A Cupid (alone).
What better deed is there to do Than strive to please and softly woo? A lover's part is sweetest care, And this it is that all must bear.
Both (together).
In love if we must grieve and sigh, A moment's bliss still well repays The ills and woes of many days.