University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Changes to the Temple of Hymen with the Priests of the god standing before the Altar.
AGENOR, DORIS, LYCIDAS.
Ag.
Doris, tho' now the nuptial altar flames,
My blessing pauses.

Dor.
Why, my gracious Father,
When my repentant soul with truth returns
To filial duty, and to faithful love?

Ag.
Does Lycidas forgive thee?

Lyc.
Trust me, Sire,
Like summer storms, her frowns, my fears are past,
And mutual love shines brighter from the blast.
When hail descends in pearly shower,
The linnet nestling in the shade,
Hides with its wing its drooping head,
Nor tunes the sprightly lay.
But soon the sun's enlivening power
Dispels the cold, that chill'd the plain;
And soon the linnet hastes again
To warble on it's spray.

Dor.
Dear Lycidas! that jocund strain bespeaks
A heart completely cur'd of jealous fear;
Nor shall that baneful guest,
Wak'd by my falsehood, more invade thy breast.
When beauty, void of faith and truth,
Beguil'd my wand'ring eye,
This pensive heart, Ah! gentle Youth,
Could only heave and sigh.
It did not love, it but admir'd;
For love's allied to smiles and joy:
But now, by thy fair virtue fir'd,
It glows with extasy.

Ag.
Enough! enough! now did the voice of fate
Call old Agenor to the darkling tomb,
Where sleep his ancestors, trust me, my children,
The summons were right welcome. But he lives
To bless you both, and take from you the blessing,
Which dear observance of your mutual love,
Now sheds in streams of joy on his grey hair.
Haste, Holy Men, the sacrifice prepare.
Pour libations on the shrine;
Wake the pipe, the lute, the lyre;
Let the loudly-warbling choir
In harmonious chorus join.

Doris. Lycidas.
Call the god, that gives desire
Lawful right his joys to share.

Agenor.
Bid him warm this willing pair
With his torch of purest fire.

Chorus.
Holy Hymen, thou alone
Giv'st to faith and constancy
Fair fruition's lasting crown,
Years of unpolluted joy.