University of Virginia Library

Scæna prima.

Enter Angelica. Hircan.
Angel.
I see at length that Lysis company
Hath power to draw you from your solitude,
Allowing us excuse for our disguises,
While you partake of our divertisement.

Hircan.
I must confesse his folly is so pleasant,
It much exceeds all that is spoken of him:
For my part I much wondred when I saw
My Sister was a Sheepherdesse for him,
And certain pastimes which she then pursu'd,
Scarce could I yeild to such a low design.
But things unknown with injury are censur'd:
And Lysis humour is so pleasing to me,
That were I not by's error pre-engag'd,
I could resolve to take the Crook up too;
But yet I hope to make you all confesse,
There is some pleasure in a Druyd's part.

Angel.
You onely study then to come off well;
In Comedies variety is pleasant,
And I am confident this will be so.
Some Sheepherds, I a Nymph, you Conjurer.—

Hircan.
But yet 'tis I have made the best adventure.

Angel.
Yes doubtless, it will be an excellent Scene,
When to appeare a Maid hee'l think't enough,
To imitate the Gestures, and the Habit.

Hircan.
Yet I did nothing, but with Ceremony,
I pray'd to Tharamis, invoakt his Genius,
Then casting round my eyes to ev'ry place,
Thrice to the East I fixt my countenance,
And thus with a grimme look without ought else,
Remov'd all obstacles to Transmutation.
The Sheepherd is disguis'd without suspition,
And th'better to assist me to delude him;
The Metamorphosis was finisht, as
Montenor with my Sister did arrive,
Who instantly perceiving my designe,
So well reserv'd their countenance, they treat
Him for a Maid without the last suspition:
And thus our enterprise succeeded rarely.

Angel.
Faith you provide us very excellent sport.

Hircan.
If't ravish not, at least, 'twill make ye laugh;
But now to personate the Sheepherdesse,
Faire Nymph, you know what tis we have to doe.

Angel.
Yes, I know well of what me must accuse him.

Hir.
Sure hee'l be very desperate in's defence,
When I to aid him shall employ my engine,
The Hall is most convenient for the purpose;
Ulysses troubles, represented here,
Will tarnish pretty lights to my invention.