Scene 4: Old Age
The last scene explores love in old age. The woman complains about
the difficulty of loving in her dotage How severe is forgetful
old age while the man replies that love in aged veins is
slow burning but long lasting The fire of love in youthful blood.
They agree in the last two numbers that kindness is more important
than passion, but that pleasure should be taken while life lasts.
Whether
I grow old or no
By the' effects I do not know
This I know without being told,
'Tis time to live if I grow old
'Tis time short pleasure now to take,
Of little life the best to make,
And manage wisely the last stake.
Whether
I grow old or no