 | The rape of Proserpine |  |
5
SCENE IV.
Ceres's Palace.Enter Proserpine, accompany'd with the Nymphs of the Train of Ceres, and perform an Entry; during which Ceres appears in the Air in her Chariot drawn by Dragons.
Cer.
Well have you done, my faithful Train,
Go on to celebrate th'important Day.
Eternal Jove, the Victor God,
Has hurl'd Destruction and Dismay
On his rebellious Foes.
Raise the big Trophy to his Name,
Sound every Instrument of Joy,
And with brisk Measures beat the Ground:
'Till Earth and Air grow sensible
Of your Applause, and his Renown.
But, midst the Triumphs of your Mirth,
Remember, to your Charge I leave
All that a Mother's Breast holds dear:
To you, and to the Gods,
I trust my darling Proserpine.
[Ceres flies off.
6
See! see! aloft, advanc'd in Air,
She rides upon the Clouds.
Swift the Moments wanton round,
While with circling Blessings crown'd;
But slow they move when Pleasures cease.
While with circling Blessings crown'd;
But slow they move when Pleasures cease.
Fly, ye gloomy Hours of Anguish,
Bring her back for whom I languish,
And restore my Breast to Peace.
Bring her back for whom I languish,
And restore my Breast to Peace.
Swift the, &c.
With Spoils of War the Trophy deck;
And execute her royal Will.
[The Nymphs renew their Dance, and erect a Trophy, in honour to Jupiter, that is form'd of the Spoils of the Giants whom Jupiter overcame. An Earthquake is felt, and part of the Building falls; and through the Ruins of the fall'n Palace Mount Ætna appears, and emits Flames. Beneath, a Giant is seen to rise, but is dash'd to pieces by a Thunder-bolt hurld from Jupiter.
7
Why all this Pomp of Horror?
Fear and Amazement shake my Soul!
[Exeunt Proserpine and Train.
An open Country with Corn-fields.
| The rape of Proserpine | |