University of Virginia Library

Iris appears on a very large Machine. This was really seen the 18th of March 1684. by Capt. Christopher Gunman, on Board his R. H. Yacht, then in Calais Pierre: He drew it as it then appear'd, and gave a draught of it to us. We have only added the Cloud where the Person of Iris sits.
Juno.
Speak Iris, from Batavia, speak the Newes!
Has she perform'd my dread Command,
Returning Albion to his longing Land,
Or dares the Nymph refuse?

Iris.
Albion, by the Nymph attended,
Was to Neptune recommended,
Peace and plenty spread the Sails:
Venus in her shell before him,
From the Sands in safety bore him,
And supply'd Etesian gales.
[Retornella
Archon on the Shore Commanding,
Lowly met him at his Landing,
Crowd's of People swarm'd around;
Welcome rang like Peals of Thunder;
Welcome, rent the Skies assunder;
Welcome, Heav'n and Earth resound.

Juno.
Why stay we then on Earth
When Mortals laugh and love?
Tis time to mount above
And send Astræa down,
The Ruler of his Birth,
And Guardian of his Crown.
'Tis time to mount above,
And send Astræa down.

Mer., Ju., Ir.
'Tis time to mount above,
And send Astræa down.

[Mer. Ju. and Iris ascend.
Aug. and Tham.
The Royal Squadron Marches,
Erect Tryumphal Arches,
For Albion and Albanius:
Rejoyce at their returning,
The passages adorning:
The Royal Squadron marches,
Erect Triumphal Arches
For Albion and Albanius.