King Arthur - 12. "How blest are Shepherds"; 13. "Shepherd, leave Decoying";

Philidel and the spirits go off singing, with King Arthur and the rest in the middle of them. Enter Emmeline led by Matilda. Pavilion Scene. Emmeline and Matilda discuss King Arthur. Matilda entreats Emmeline to forget her cares and let a group of Kentish lads and lasses entertain her while she awaits Arthur's return. Enter shepherds and shepherdesses.

SHEPHERD
 How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses,
 While drums and trumpets are sounding alarms.
 Over our lowly sheds all the storm passes
 And when we die, 'tis in each other's arms
 All the day on our herds and flocks employing,
 All the night on our flutes and in enjoying.

CHORUS
 How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses, etc.

SHEPHERD
 Bright nymphs of Britain with graces attended,
 Let not your days without pleasure expire.
 Honour's but empty, and when youth is ended,
 All men will praise you but none will desire.
 Let not youth fly away without contenting;
 Age will come time enough for your repenting.

CHORUS
 Bright nymphs of Britain with graces attended, etc.

Here the men offer their flutes to the women, which they refuse.

Symphony

TWO SHEPHERDESSES
 Shepherd, shepherd, leave decoying:
 Pipes are sweet on summer's day,
 But a little after toying,
 Women have the shot to pay.
 Here are marriage-vows for signing:
 Set their marks that cannot write.
 After that, without repining,
 Play, and welcome, day and night.

Here the women give the men contracts, which they accept.

CHORUS
 Come, shepherds, lead up a lively measure
 The cares of wedlock are cares of pleasure:
 But whether marriage bring joy or sorrow.
 Make sure of this day and hang tomorrow

Hornpipe

The dance after the song, and exeunt shepherds and shepherdesses.

Second Act Tune: Air

Emmeline and Matilda are captured by Oswald, who has refused to release them during a parley with Arthur. The Britons prepare to rescue Emmeline from the Saxon fortress.