Fairest Isle (Henry Purcell, John Dryden "King Arthur", 1691)
Fairest Isle, all isles excelling. Seat of pleasure and of love, Venus here will choose her dwelling, And forsake her Cyprian grove. Cupid from his fav'rite nation, Care and envy will remove; Jealousy that poisnous passion, And despair that dies for love.
Gentle murmers sweet complaining, Sighs that blow the fire of love, Soft repulses, kind disdaining, Shall be all the pains you prove. Ev'ry swain shall pay his duty, Grateful ev'ry nymph shall prove; And as these excel in beauty, Those shall be renowned for love.