Z 629 The Fairy Queen, III, 5 When I have often heard. [Neapolitan translation]

When I have often heard young Maids complaining,

That when Men promise most they most deceive,

The I thought none of them worthy of my gaining;

And what they Swore, resolv'd ne're to believe.

But when so humbly he made his Addresses,

With Looks so soft, and with Language so kind,

I thought it Sin to refuse his Caresses;

Nature o'ercame, and I soon chang'd my Mind.

Should he employ all his wit in deceiving,

Stretch his Invetion, and artfully feign;

I find such Charms, such true Joy in believing,

I'll have the Pleasure, let him have the Pain.

If he proves Prejur'd, I shall not be Cheated,

He may deceive himself, but never me;

'Tis what I look for, and shan't be defeated,

For I'll be as false and inconstant as he.

• Artist:Henry Purcell
• Album:Purcell: The Fairy Queen.