Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CANTATA, by MATTHEW PRIOR


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CANTATA, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Beneath a verdant laurel's ample shade
Last Line: Cupid does with phoebus reign.
Subject(s): Cupid; Love; Music & Musicians; Mythology - Classical; Singing & Singers; Venus (goddess); Eros


RECIT.

BENEATH a verdant laurel's ample shade,
His lyre to mournful numbers strung.
Horace, immortal bard, supinely laid,
To Venus thus addressed the song:
Ten thousand little loves around,
Listening, dwelt on every sound.

ARIETTE.

Potent Venus, bid thy son
Sound no more his dire alarms.
Youth on silent wings is flown;
Graver years come rolling on.
Spare my age, unfit for arms;
Safe and humble let me rest,
From all amorous care released.
Potent Venus, bid thy son
Sound no more his dire alarms.

RECIT.

Yet, Venus, who do I each morn prepare
The fragrant wreath for Cloe's hair;
Why do I all day lament and sigh,
Unless the beauteous maid be nigh;
And why all night pursue her in my dreams,
Through flowery meads and crystal streams!

RECIT.

Thus sung the bard; and thus the goddess spoke:
Submissive bow to Love's imperious yoke.
Every state, and every age
Shall own my rule, and fear my rage;
Compelled by me, thy Muse shall prove,
That all the world was born to love.

ARIET.

Bid thy destined lyre discover
Soft desire and gentle pain;
Often praise, and always love her:
Through her ear, her heart obtain.
Verse shall please, and sighs shall move her,
Cupid does with Phoebus reign.





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