Grief increases by concealing

Libretto/Lyrics/Text/Testo:

BELINDA
Grief increases by concealing,

DIDO
Mine admits of no revealing.

BELINDA
Then let me speak; the Trojan guest
Into your tender thoughts has press'd;
The greatest blessing Fate can give
Our Carthage to secure and Troy revive.

CHORUS
When monarchs unite, how happy their state,
They triumph at once o'er their foes and their fate.

DIDO
Whence could so much virtue spring?
What storms, what battles did he sing?
Anchises' valour mix'd with Venus' charms
How soft in peace, and yet how fierce in arms!

BELINDA
A tale so strong and full of woe
Might melt the rocks as well as you.

SECOND WOMAN
What stubborn heart unmov'd could see
Such distress, such piety?

DIDO
Mine with storms of care oppress'd
Is taught to pity the distress'd.
Mean wretches' grief can touch,
So soft, so sensible my breast;
But ah! I fear, I pity his too much.

BELINDA AND SECOND WOMAN
repeated by Chorus
Fear no danger to ensue,
The Hero loves as well as you,
Ever gentle, ever smiling,
And the cares of life beguiling,
Cupid strew your path with flowers
Gather'd from Elysian bowers.