University of Virginia Library

Scene 4.

Celadon, Leonida, Sylva.
Celadon.
Nature and Art seem marri'd here to be,
VVhere each agreeing part's a Harmonie;
Yet is't to me, like Horror of the Night
To himself.
To the Guilty; Banish't Astræa's Sight,
To them again.
It seems design'd an amorous Abode,
To shrowd the pleasures of some rural God.
VVhat place is that, whose close compacted shade,
Phœbus in highest pride can scarce invade?

Leonida.
Gentle Shepheard, i'th' thickest of that Grove
Is plac'd the fountain of the Truth of Love,
VVherein each Lover may their loved see;
And if by them any then loved be,
Their Forms seem coupled; But as then, if None,
The single Figure doth appear alone.
It was erected by the famous Skill
Of a Magitian, Jealousie to kill.

Celadon.
I've heard the fame thereof; being so nigh,
Are we not licenc'd the vertue to trie?

Leonida.
No gentle Swain, this fair Nymphs cruelty
On incen'st Love forbids that Liberty.

Celadon.
As how I pray?

Leonida.
That I shall strait relate.
Pointing to Sylva.
Nay frown not Sylva, now it is too late.
This Nymph, whose Beauty, Worth and Grace,
In all their hearts, that see her, hold a place:
Amongst the rest, two noble Spirits rise,
In Emulation, to make her their Prize:
In Natures gifts and Fortunes both were rich;
And their own vertues such, as might bewitch
Any with Love, save Sylva's equal eye;
Which bred 'twixt Rivals equal Amity;
Long had they both without Advantage strove
Each of the Other, or of Sylva's Love;
At length, with one assent they both agree,
To the best priz'd of her, her to leave free;
Which her impartial Grace could not decide;
They therefore to this Fountain them apply'd;
Wherein each gazing with a greedy eye,
Who should be honour'd with Preheminencie,
Found neither lov'd, her Figure still Alone,
Together, and asunder, them being shown:
At which, their Love gave place unto their Ire;
With Magitians they secretly conspire,
This to make void; which not allow'd to Art,
They to fell Lions do the Guard impart,
By art confin'd; nor can this Charm untie
Till the two perfect'st Lovers for it die:

Celadon.
Sorrow attends my wonder!

Sylva.
Me the blame,
VVhile this home-friend seeks to extend my shame.

Galatea.
My better self, I've been too long away,
She imbraceth Caledon.
Each Minute spent from thee, is a lost Day,
He seems to faint; they support him.
How fares my Life? some grief doth thee oppress,
I fear it is thy Fevors Re-access.

Celadon.
Th'are welcome Summons; such I would not flie.

Galatea.
Render not fruitless so our Charity.

Leonida.
Madam, this Shepheards safety doth depend
On some skil'd hand may give his griefs an end.

Galatea.
Thee to believe my Fear doth me invite,
But m'Honor's stain'd, he being expos'd to sight.

Leonida.
Madam, to me 'tis dearer then mine own,
As by my careful service shall be shown.
My Uncles Skil, his Faith, and Love to you
(I know) your Grace misdoubts not to be true.
He's your Creature, whose Prudence will conceal,
And further your intents as his own weal.
I'le thither haste with speed, if so you please,
That his presence your Griefs, in his, may ease.

Galatea.
Th'advice is good; yet him my Love not show,
Exeunt All but Leonida.
Haste, Leonida; Fear saies thou art too slow.

Leonida.
I will not tax thee for unequal Flames,
To her self.
Titles are but Policies empty Names,
VVhilst Love, like Death, casteth those Scepters by,
And gives all Natures works Equality.
Had not the same Object, with equal Fire
Inflam'd my Soul, I'd cherish'd thy desire:
Which in pretence of duty to the State,
My jealous Love by Craft must violate.