by John Lockman (flourished c1763)
Spring Gardens
Language: English
Flora, goddess sweetly blooming, Ever airy, ever gay: All her wonted charms resuming, To Spring Gardens calls away. See a grand pavillion yonder Rising near embowering shades; There a temple strikes with wonder, In full view of colonnades. Hark! what heavenly notes descending Break up on the listening ear: Music all its graces lending, O 'tis ecstasy to hear. With this blissful spot delighted, Here the Queen of May retreats, Belles and beaux are all invited To partake of varied sweets. Art and Nature kindly lavish, Here their mingled beauties yield, Equal here, the pleasures ravish, Of the court and of the field. Nightingales the concert joining Breathe their plaints in melting strains, Vanquished now, their groves resigning, Soon they fly to distant plains. Lo, what splendours round us darting Swift illume the charming scene. Chandeliers their lights imparting Pour fresh beauties o'er the green. Glittering lamps, in order planted, Strike the eye with sweet surprise; Adam scarce was more enchanted When he saw the sun first rise. Now the various bands are seated, All dispersed in bright array; Business o'er, and cares retreated, With gay mirth they close the day. Thus, of old, the sons of pleasure Passed, in shades, their favourite hours, Nectar cheering their soft leisure, Blessed by love and crowned with flowers.
Text Authorship:
- by John Lockman (flourished c1763) [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by William Boyce (1710 - 1779), "Spring Gardens" [text verified 1 time]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 40
Word count: 216