University of Virginia Library

SCENE IV.

A Bower magnificently adorn'd with all things proper for the Reception of Love; Venus and Diana assisting in the Festival. Venus attending with Graces and Pleasures; Diana with Dryads, and other Forest Nymphs.
Venus.

Diana.
Yes, yes, Endymion, lovely Boy!
Thy innocent and youthful Charms
Have taught Diana's frozen Heart
To burn with unacquainted Flames.

Venus.
O Goddess, worthy now to boast.
Jove to thy Sire, who shar'st his Fires,
And own'st the Lover's glorious Name.

Dian.
Spight of myself, I can no more
Resist a Flame I once disdain'd.

Ven.
In striving to resist,
You fondly rob yourself of Joy.

Ven.
Am'rous Kisses,

Dian.
Nuptial Blisses,

Both.
Lover's Pleasures,
Cupid's Treasures,
Are the Sweets that Life improve.

Dian.
Still to languish

Ven.
With sweet Anguish,

Both.
Softly sighing,
Murm'ring, dying,
Are th' immortal Gifts of Love.

[Here Bacchus, Pan, and Silenus enter, attended with Satyrs, Fawns, and Sylvans.
All three.
See! a jolly Train advancing,

Bacch.
Satyrs.—

Pan.
—Fawns,

Silen.
—And Sylvans dancing;

Pan.
All the Pow'r of Love confessing,

Bacch.
All esteeming Love a Blessing.

All three.
Join his Influence to own,
Join his Festival to crown.

An Entry of Bacchanals, and Bacchantes, followed by a Dance of Satyrs.
Silenus
alone.

[Here several Dancers enter, representing different Parts of the World, who acknowledge Love's Power, and attend his Triumph; after which, Flora strewing Flowers before Cupid, who is brought in a Triumphant Chariot, drawn by Cupids, seated on the Ensigns of the Gods, as his Trophies. A Grand Entry, in which Flora represents an Inconstant.
CHORUS.
Raise the Trophies, raise them high,
Mighty Love the Conquest gains;
Let, who dares his Pow'r defy,
Live unworthy of his Chains.