University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

The Sage is discovered chained in a cave.
Enter Albion and Minerva.
MINERVA.
See, Albion, where, extended on the ground,
The Sage is laid, in cruel fetters bound;
Unloose his chains and with them burst thy own,
His aid shall fix thee firmly on the throne;
With warlike spirit shall thy sons inspire,
Once more re-kindle virtue's sacred fire!

[Albion looses the Sage.]
ALBION.
Rise injured man, from envy's bands set free,
I view a genius and a friend in thee.

SAGE.
If Jove, who thus has set me free, ordains
That I should break great Albion's heavy chains;
The mighty honour I'll with joy embrace,
And prove the future guardian of her race.

ALBION.
Comus with all his revel riot reigns,
In Fortune's court and leads my sons in chains;
Stupid, enervate, all the mispent day,
They waste their time, and dream their hours away;
Be this thy care to drive them forth with speed,
Pleas'd will Minerva aid thee in the deed.

SAGE.
With joy I go thy sorrows to redress,
And with Minerva doubt not sure success,

RECITATIVE.
MINERVA.
Hail ye sweet harmonious spheres,
That charm immortals list'ning ears;
Now your soothing power display
To drive my Albion's cares away.

soft musick.
AIR.
MINERVA.
[Spirits descend, and perform a dance.]

AIR.
First SPIRIT.
Chorus of Spirits.
Fear no ill that may surround, &c.
[Ascend.

[Exeunt omnes.