Palemon.
Is aught more worthless born
Than hearts that love will scorn?
Vertumnus.
A fair one stern, for aye
Ne'er wins a faithful sigh!
Palemon.
To woo has beauty arms,
But gentleness has greater charms.
Both (together).
To woo has beauty arms,
But gentleness has greater charms.
Flora answers the dialogue of Vertumnus. and Palemon. by the following minuet, and the other divinities join their dances to the song.
Does wisdom say,
In youth's heyday,
Sweet love forego?
Be up, in haste
These pleasures taste
Of earth below.
Youth's wisdom too
Is love to woo,
And love to know.
If love disarms,
It is by charms;
So yield your arms.
'Twere madness 'gainst his darts
To seek to shield your hearts.
Whate'er the bond
Of lover fond,
'Tis sweeter chain
Than freedom's gain.
Venus descends from heaven, attended by Cupid, her son, and two Graces, called Aegiale and Phaëne; and the divinities of the earth and the streams once more unite their songs, and continue by their dances to show their joy at her approach.
Chorus of all the Divinities of the earth and the streams.