But ah! sweet maid, my counsel hear,
(Youth shall attend when those advise
Whom long experience renders sage);
While music charms the ravish’d ear,
While sparkling cups delight our eyes
Be gay; and scorn the frowns of age.
What cruel answer I have heard!
And yet, by heav’n, I love thee still:
Can aught be cruel from thy lip?
Yet say, how fell that bitter word