University of Virginia Library

MASQUE.

When Curtain drawn, first Scene therof pourtray'd
Rude Wilderness, great falling Storm display'd
Of larger Hail; the branches bow'd as 'twere
Through th' violence, did hoary grown appear,
Both Rocks and Ground; heard noise like blust'ring wind,
Seen Lightning flash: strange horror's Den design'd.
Thence Goblins came, Hell-furies such invented;
Troubles o'th' World, harmful Brood represented:
Rage, Malice, Envy, Rapine forth advanc'd,
In wildest Garb, their boist'rous Antique danc'd.
These being return'd, the Scene was changed quite;
To lovely Calm, fine prospect of Delight:
Spread on each hand beautiful Mount to th' Eye,
With Laurels, Bays, victorious Palms on high,
Choice noble Plants; pure honour's Temple th' one
Did Garnish fair, from th' other Virtue's shewn.
Rivers beneath, like ropes of Pearl display'd,
Or Chrystal Chains adorn'd the Field, o're-stray'd:
Banks drest with flow'rs between those Mounts descry'd,
I'th' farther End two Barques at Anchor ride;
Smooth, calmest Sea; both Rocks and Waters face
Gilt by the Sun, th' whole Sky serene did grace.
Neptune far off, in Charret drawn (as 'twere)
With Tritons, round did range for Pleasure there.
Priests view'd, as tho from that first Mount descended,
To th' Brides-groom, Bride joyn'd Message recommended.
Great Princely Pair, from Honour's Temple, know,
I'm sent to You Ambassadour below:
Six younger Knights sent from Thessalian State
To proffer, yield the Prince Orontes late
That glorious Crown, due from his Grand-father,
Expell'd by Treas'nous force, unlawful'st War:
Six Ladies too from Cyprus wealthy Land,
With Crown, which Duke VERDORUS may command
Their beautious Queen MINDANA'S Heir disclos'd;
Who fled from thence by Tyrant's Arm Depos'd:
Each Troop withall ingag'd (such high Regard
Shewn to your selves, their Royal Heirs declar'd)
These Crowns should be first to your Hands presented.
Long cross'd through Storms by Furies rais'd, augmented,
To honour, Virtue's Temples at the last
Both Parties came; Sea's dangers overpast.
Where finding All they Agents were imploy'd
To marry'd Pair, Prince, Princess call'd (o're-joy'd)
Now Fellow-servants grown, th' Example mov'd,
Each made their worthy Choice, united prov'd:
Will shortly here with their Grand charge attend;
Mean while their humblest Duties recommend.
Returning back, one Water-Nymph each side
From th' shore appear'd, in Marriage-Song comply'd
For this chief joyned Pair, and All the rest;
Robes stain'd like Waves, with Tensel-borders drest.
Sea-Gods near them beheld (call'd Tritons were)
Long Coats, Sea-green, who joyn'd for Chorus there.

SONG.

This being said, those TRITONS all withdrew
Behind the Scene; that Rockie part in view.
Four Water-Nymphs did then conjoyn'd appear
To th' other two, same Glist'ring Garb did wear;
Walk'd down the Stairs, in smooth and gliding measure,
Their parts discharg'd like Champaign Dance of pleasure.
Approach ye Tritons from the deep, prepare
(Kind partners too) by Dance your Joy declare.
Four Tritons then, black Curls, the steps desended,
Trumps wreathed shewn, whose artful Dance commended.
These being return'd, the Scene was changed strait;
View'd Garden's form, most dainty, delicate;
Prime flow'ry Dress, choice Walks, with Tarras-Mounts,
Carv'd Statues rare, with artificial Founts;
Fine Arbours, some o'th' longer sort descry'd,
Like branched Arch, seen planted Fruits beside.
Clear lovely Sky, bright scatter'd Clouds how-e're,
Small airy Spirits perch'd discerned there.
Four, as from them, came sliding down below;
From th' Garden strait (gold Quiver, silver'd Bow)
Small Cupid joyn'd; Wing'd handsome Boys, as shewn
Their Prince himself still Danced there alone.
He back to th' Garden walk'd, those Spirits then,
By Masking art, soar'd up to th' Clouds agen.
Fourth Scene then view'd, where Hymen's bow'r design'd
(Term'd Marriage-God) with silver Pillars shin'd;
Long, open Front, the Skirts beset with Roses;
Green Laurel else both Back and Roof incloses.
Grand Maskers plac'd beneath, those Ladies, Knights,
Twelve, threefold Rank; whose Prospect Sense delights.
Skie-colourd Silk by th' manly Troop was worn,
With Silver Stars, each Garland did Adorn:
Carnation by the Maids with Silver Flow'rs,
White Ribbon-knots, th' Heads lofty-drest like Tow'rs.
This well observ'd, Gilt Charet from th' one side
Softly descends, small Clouds did break, divide;
Chief VENUS sat, brave-trim'd white Garment wore:
Star on her Brow: Three Graces rang'd before,
As choice Concomitants, whom did invest
Fine, party colour'd Stuff, like Sisters drest.
From th' other Side a silver'd Charet came,
Where Hymen view'd in Crimson Robe, like Flame
Besprinkled all: at Foot young Hebe plac'd,
Goddess of youth, green Mantle, Silver-grac'd.
Whilst sliding down, by turns, they choicely Sung,
Till midst o'th' Air their fixed Charets hung.

SONG.

Venus.

Hymen, HYMEN, HYMEN;
Break forth thou Marriage-God, descend,
Thy cheerful presence Lend,

3 Graces.

To VENUS and th' Assistant GRACES.
Heightning Love's Embraces:

Hymen

HYMEN comes, great Beautie's Queen,
My Daughter too behold,

Hebe.

Goddess of Youth, till Spring-like green,
Choice Bridal Guest inrol'd.

II.

Hast Thou conjoyn'd in Marriage-Bands

Venus.

Those worthy'st mortal Payrs,
Combined th' are both Heart and Hands,

Hymen.

Shew like Terrestrial Stars,
Whilst their Master, Mistress there,

3 Graces.

Which did th' Examples prove
May beauteous Sun and Moon appear.
I'th' gallant Orbe of Love.

III.

For leading way unto the Rest,
Thus Venus bounteous Mind's exprest;
I'll give to th' Female Train, confirm
Beauty till Elder age.
For Love till last Expiring Term
I shall to Both ingage.
And we Graces (Each Assures)
Youthful Season whilst endures,
From our Amorous Store, Treasure.
Contribute Joy, Mirth and Pleasure.
This Song perform'd, their Charets slowly rise,
With equal Pace till shrouded in the Skies.
Then forth Grand Masquers came, Six handsome Pair;
Tho formost Two might seem Trascendent, Rare
Next Brides-groom and the Bride did All advance,
Trod Floor beneath for First Grand masquing Dance:
Where Sounds well pleas'd Spectator's Ear, and th' Eye
Fine Motion caught, choice Form with Bravery.
This Dance being closed thus, the Scene was then
From Summer-Bow'r to City chang'd agen,
I'th' Front whereof great Royal Palace shin'd,
Magnificent for th' Princely Pair design'd.
The Masquers here their Faces turn'd to th' side,
Where sat the Brides-groom and the Beauteous Bride,
Low-bowing All; then strait their middle pair
March'd softly forth, and, shewn Obeisance fair,
Presented, rang'd a Crown at Either's feet:
So to their Place withdraw: mean time that sweet,
Harmonious Troop sung from the Scene, their Station,
(Nymphs with Sea-Gods) like joyful Celebration.

SONG.

1 Nymph

Great, transcendent Pair for Birth,
Virtue as corporeal Beauty
T'whom of Duty

2 Nymph

Stoops prime Excellence on Earth

Both Nymphs

See what Heav'n restore
For you more.

II.

1 Nymph

Those Bright Crowns, Allegeance shewing,
From two Faithful Lands imbrace;

2 Nymph

Prince, Princess call'd, such Presents owing
Your High Fame as Royal Race

Both Nymphs

Rule withall o're Subjects Hearts
Either Crown imparts.
Song being clos'd, their second Dance begun,
Prime, stately That: with which the Masque was done.