To VENUS. A RANT, 1732. Thomas Lisle Alexander Huber Editor Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Broad Street Oxford OX1 3BG UK
Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive
Taylor Institution Library St Giles' Oxford OX1 3NA UK info@eighteenthcenturypoetry.org https://www.eighteenthcenturypoetry.org/
Oxford This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. T131163 K104099.006 Dodsley, Robert, 1703-1764. A Collection of Poems in Six Volumes. By Several Hands. Vol. VI. London printed by J. Hughs, for R. and J. Dodsley 1763 [1st ed. 1758] pp. 164-165. 6v.: music; 8⁰.

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To VENUS . A RANT , 1732. Set to Music by Dr. HAYES , By the same . RECITATIVE . O Goddess most rever'd above , Bright parent of almighty Love , Whose pow'r th' immortal Gods confess , Hear and approve my fond address : In melting softness I thy doves outvie , Then teach me like thy swans to sing and fly ; So I thy vot'ry will for ever be ; My song , my life I'll consecrate to thee . AIR . Give me numbers strong and sweet , Glowing language , pointed wit ; Words that might a Vestal move , And melt a frozen heart to love . Bid , bid thy blind boy All his vigour employ ; On his wings wou'd I soar up to fame : 'Tis but just , if he scorch My breast with his torch , In my wit too he kindle a flame . RECITATIVE . Trophies to Chastity let others raise , In notes as cold as the dull thing they praise , To rage like mine more sprightly themes belong ; Gay youth inspires , and beauty claims my song ; Me all the little Loves and Graces own ; For I was born to worship them alone . AIR . Tell not me the joys that wait On him that's rich , on him that's great : Wealth and wisdom I despise : Cares surround the rich and wise . No , no , — let love , let life be mine : Bring me women , bring me wine : Speed the dancing hours away , And mind not what the grave ones say ; Speed , and gild 'em as they fly With love and freedom , wit and joy : Bus'ness , title , pomp , and state , Give 'em to the fools I hate .