Hail to the myrtle shade, All hail to the nymphs of the fields! Kings will not here invade, Though virtue all freedom yields: Beauty here opens her arms To soften the languishing mind, And Phyllis unlocks her charms; Ah! Phyllis, ah! why so kind? Phyllis, thou soul of love, Thou joy of the neighb'ring swains: Phyllis, that crowns the grove, And Phyllis, that gilds the plains: Phyllis, that ne'er had the skill To paint and to patch and be fine; Yet Phyllis, whose eyes can kill, Whom Nature has made divine. Phyllis, whose charming song Makes labour and pains a delight: Phyllis, that makes the day young, And shortens the livelong night: Phyllis, whose lips like May Still laugh at the sweets that they bring, Where love never knows decay, But sets with eternal spring.
Theodosius - or - The Force of Love
A play - incidental music by Henry Purcell (1658/9 - 1695)
8. Hail to the myrtle shade  [sung text checked 1 time]
Language: English
Authorship:
- by Nathaniel Lee (1653? - 1692)
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Researcher for this page: Virginia KnightTotal word count: 135