King Arthur, Z. 628: Act V, Scene II, 39. “You say ’tis love” (He, She)

(duet for "He" and "She"; according to the printed libretto, the words were written by "Mr. Howe")

SHE (soprano)
You say, 'tis Love creates the pain,
Of which so sadly you complain,
And yet would fain engage my heart
In that uneasy cruel part;
But how, alas! think you that
I Can bear the wounds of which you die?

HE (bass)
'Tis not my passion makes my care,
But your indiff'rence gives despair:
The lusty sun begets no spring
Till gentle show'rs assistance bring;
So Love, that scorches and destroys,
Till kindness aids, can cause no joys.

SHE
Love has a thousand ways to please,
But more to rob us of our ease;
For waking nights and careful days,
Some hours of pleasure he repays;
But absence soon, or jealous fears,
O'erflows the joy with floods of tears.

HE
But one soft moment makes amends
For all the torment that attends.

BOTH
Let us love, let us love and to happiness haste.
Age and wisdom come too fast.
Youth for loving was design'd.

HE
I'll be constant, you be kind.

SHE
You be constant, I'll be kind.

BOTH
Heav'n can give no greater blessing
Than faithful love and kind possessing.