King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act IV: Song by Mr. Howe – You Say, ’Tis Love Creates the Pain (He & She)

You say, 'tis Love creates the pain
Of which so sadly you complain
And yet would fain engage my heart
In that uneasy cruel part
But how, alas! think you, that I
Can bear the wounds of which you die?

'Tis not my passion makes my care
But your indifference gives despair
The lusty sun begets no spring
Till gentle show'rs assistance bring
So Love that scorches, and destroys
Till kindness aids, can cause no joys

Love has a thousand ways to please
But more to rob us of our ease
For waking nights, and careful days
Some hours of pleasure he repays
But absence soon, or jealous fears
O'erflows the joy with floods of tears

But one soft moment makes amends
For all the torment that attends

Let us love, let us love, and to happiness haste
Age and wisdom come too fast
Youth for loving was design'd
I'll be constant, you be kind
You be constant, I'll be kind
Heav'n can give no greater blessing
Than faithful love, and kind possessing