Unknown

Aria of Giovannini

Wouldst thou thine heart now give me,
Proceed in secrecy,
That twixt us our intentions
No one may ever guess.
Since love must be, if mutual,
Forever silent kept,
So hide thy greatest pleasures
Within thy heart's recess.

O cautious be and silent,
And never trust a wall,
Love inwardly, and, outward,
Appear quite unattached.
Suspicion give thou never,
Disguise is ever meet.
Enough, that thou, my being,
My faith art e'er assured.

O covet no attentions
Of my devotion, none,
For jealousy so many
Snares for our work hath laid.
Thou must conceal thy feeling,
Heart's fancy hold within.
The joy which brings us rapture
Must e'er a secret be.

Now license and indulgence
Have often brought their risk.
We must have this agreement,
For spiteful eyes do watch.
Thou must that motto ponder
Which I before did state:
Wouldst thou thy heart now give me,
Proceed in secrecy.