Classic Poem

Recit.

As Tink'ring Tom the streets his trade did cry,
He saw his lovely Silvia passing by:
In dust cart high advanc'd, the nymph was plac'd
With the rich cinders round her lovely waist.
Tom with uplifted hands th' occasion blest,
And thus in soothing strains the maid addrest.

Aria

Oh Silvia! while you drive your carts
To pick up dust you steal our hearts,
You take our dust and steal our hearts.
That mine is gone alas! is true,
And dwells among the dust with you,
And dwells among the dust with you.
Ah lovely Silvia ease my pain!
Give me the heart you stole again,
Give me my heart, out of your cart;
Give me the heart you stole again.

Recit.

Silvia, advanc'd above the rabble rout,
Exulting roll'd her sparkling eyes about,
She heav'd her swelling breast as black as sloe
And look'd disdain on little folks below;
To Tom she nodded as the carr drew on,
And then resolv'd to speak, she cry'd " stop John! "

Air

Shall I who ride above the rest
Be by a paltry crowd opprest?
Ambition now my soul does fire,
The youths shall languish and admire,
And ev'ry girl with anxious heart
Shall long to ride in my dust cart,
Shall long to ride in my dust cart.