University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A Machine descends with Pluto and Proserpine, and fixes on the Stage.
Pluto.
Lov'd Partner of my gloomy Reign,
These boundless Realms of Pow'r survey,
No more in vain Sigh, to regain
The tasteless Sweets of Earth and Day.
Put on thy Smiles of Joy again,
Such Smiles as once bless'd Enna's Plain;
Then Jove and Neptune shall repine,
Whilst thou, the fairest Lot, art mine.

Proserpine.
So well you know to sooth my Fears,
To soften and asswage my Cares,
That, smiling, I despise, from hence,
The Thoughts that once o'er came my Sense,
When first you snatch'd me to your Arms.

Enter Ascalax.
Joy, Sovereign Liege, the News I bring,
Will make your Realms with Triumph ring;
The late Impostor, who with Zeal
Has reign'd the Minister of Hell;
By thy permissive Pow'r renown'd,
For Magick Skill and Arts profound,
At length has reach'd th'Infernal Ground.

Pluto.
Most welcome are thy Tidings—Hence,
To Hell's far Bounds the Sound dispence
Let not a Fiend presume to wear
The Face of Sorrow or Despair;
But all, in merriest Mood, unite,
To give their mighty Prince Delight.
Let rack'd Ixion now advance,
Prometheus too prepare to dance;
Let Sysiphus and Tiphon play;
The Fatal Sisters too be gay:
E'en watchful Cerberus shall rest,
And Tantalus shall freely feast:
This is my Will—proclaim it round,
And in loud Triumphs spread the Sound.
[Exit Ascalax.

A Dance of Furies.
Proserpine.
With utmost Pleasure, now I see
The Monarch of my Heart and Me.
No more great Pluto sues in vain,
No more my Anger I retain;
I view thy Empire, richly wide,
Partner of all thy Pow'r and Pride.
Where Vassal Peers thy Nod obey,
And scepter'd Slaves their Homage pay.

Pluto.
My Love, now Fate has made thee mine,
My only Pride is Proserpine,
Within my Breast you fill each Part,
And rule, alone, great Pluto's Heart.

Enter Ascalax, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, (the three Fatal Sisters) with them Ixion, Prometheus, Sysiphus, and Cerberus, who pay Homage to Pluto and Proserpine in Dancing.
Duet. Pluto and Proserpine.

Grand Chorus.
In new Delights, for ever join
Great Pluto and lov'd Proserpine;
Thus let applauding Triumph rise,
Till Jove with Envy quits his Skies.