University of Virginia Library

ACT V.

Messenger, Chorus, Pisthetærus.
Messenger.
O fortunate, beyond expression fortunate,
O ye thrice blest, ye winged race of birds,
Welcome your king, and to his goodly home
Conduct him. For he comes, in brightness such
As never darted from all-glittering star
In its high dome that beams with radiant gold;
Nor ever such a blaze of glory shone
From the sun's inextinguishable fire.
And in his pomp he leads a bride, how fair
No words may tell; and in his hand doth grasp,
Brandishing, thunder, the wing'd bolt of Jove.
Unutterable odours to the depth
Pervade the circle; and from incense sprung,
Sweet marvel to behold, the lightsome airs
Mount and shave through the wreathed curl of smoke.
And lo! himself is here! But now behoves
The heavenly Muse should lift her sacred voice.

Semichorus.
Above, below, beside, around,
Let your veering flight be wound.
Clasp him with upraised pinion,
Fortune's ever-blessed minion.
Oh! what beauty! Oh! what grace!
Thrice happy thou that dost embrace
In holy wedlock thy loved mate,
Pride and glory of our state.

Semichorus.
Mighty the joys that betide
This city through him and his bride.
Welcome, welcome, with loud glee,
Marriage song and jubilee,
Him and his beautiful Basilee.

Semichorus.
T'Olympian Juno's couch of yore,
Fates divine in triumph bore
Him, whose nod did shake the skies,
Join'd in like solemnities.
Golden-feather'd Love the while,
Beaming forth a heavenly smile,
Guided the bending reins
O'er the star-sown plains,
At those nuptials to preside
Of Jove and his imperial bride.
To Hymen, Hymen, raise the song;
To Hymen, Hymen, yet a louder note prolong.

Pisthetærus.
With joy I hear your sacred hymns,
With joy your melodies I hear,
And rapt delight. But come, call now
His own dread earthly thunders forth,
And fiery levin-brands of Jove,
And the white vollied lightning.

Chorus.