 | Chloridia |  |
The ornament, which went about the Scene, was composed of Foliage, or leaves heightned with gold, and enter-woven with all sorts of flowers;
The Curtaine being drawne up, the Scene is discover'd, consisting of pleasant hills, planted with young trees, and all the lower bankes adorned with flowers. And from some hollow parts of those Hills, Fountaines come gliding downe, which, in the farre-off Land-shape, seem'd all to be converted to a River.
Over all, a serene skie, with transparant cloudes, giving a great lustre to the whole worke, which did imitate the pleasant Spring.
When the spectators had enough fed their eyes, with the delights of the Scene, in a part of the ayre, a bright Cloud begins to breake forth; and in it is sitting a plumpe Boy, in a changeable garment, richly adorn'd, representing the mild Zephyrus. On the other side of the Scene, in a purplish Cloud, appeareth the Spring, a beautifull Maid, her upper garment greene, under it, a white robe wrought with flowers; A garland on her head.
Here Zephyrus begins his Dialogue, calling her forth, and making narration of the Gods decree at large, which she obeyes, pretending, it is come to Earth already: and there begun to be executed by the Kings favour, who assists with all bounties, that may be either urg'd, as causes, or reasons of the Spring.
The first Song.
Zephyrvs.
And carry the glad newes, I bring,
To Earth, our common mother:
It is decreed, by all the Gods
The Heav'n, of Earth shall have no oddes,
But one shall love another:
Earth looke on Heaven, for Heavens sake;
Their honour's shall be even:
All æmulation cease, and jarres;
Jove will have Earth to have her starres
And lights, no lesse then Heaven.
Spring.
It is already done, in flowers
As fresh, and new as are the houres,
By warmth of yonder Sunne.
But will be multiply'd on us,
If from the breath of ZEPHYRUS
Like favour we have wonne.
Zephyrvs.
Give all to him: His is the dew,
The heate, the humour,
—All the true.
Beloved of the Spring!
Zephyrvs.
The Sunne, the Wind, the Verdure!
Spring.
—All,
That wisest Nature cause can call
Of quick'ning any thing.
At which, Zephyrus passeth away through the ayre, and the Spring descendeth to the Earth: and is receiv'd by the Naiades, or Napeæ; who are the Nymph's, Fountaines, and Servants of the season.
The second Song.
Fovntaines.
Fayre Maide, but are you come to dwell,
And tarry with us here?
Spring.
Fresh Fountaines, I am come to tell
A tale in yond' soft eare,
Whereof the murmure will doe well:
If you your parts will beare.
Fovntaines.
Our purlings waite upon the Spring.
Spring.
Goe up with me, then: helpe to sing
The story to the King.
Here the Spring goes up, singing the argument to the King; and the Fountaines follow with the close.
Spring.
Cupid hath ta'ne offence of late
At all the Gods, that of the State,
And in their Councell, he was so deserted,
Not to be call'd into their Guild
But slightly pass'd, by, as a child.
Fovntaines.
Wherein he thinkes his honour was perverted.
Spring.
And though his Mother seeke to season,
And rectifie his rage with reason,
By shewing he lives yet under her command,
Rebellious he, doth disobey,
And she hath forc'd his armes away.
To make him feele the Justice of her hand.
Spring.
Whereat the Boy, in fury fell,
With all his speed, is gone to hell,
There to excite, and stirre up Jealousie,
To make a party 'gainst the Gods,
And set Heaven, Earth, and Hell at odds.
Fovntaines.
And rayse a chaos of calamitie.
The Song ended, the Nymphs fall into a Daunce, to their voyces, and instruments, and so returne into the Scene.
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