The Second Song

Kingdoms.

1.Here are shapes form'd fit for heaven;
2.Those move gracefully and even.
3.Here the air and paces meet,
So just, as if the skilful feet
Had struck the viols. — 1, 2, 3. So the ear
Might the tuneful footing hear.

Chorus.

And had the music silent been,
The eye a moving tune had seen.

Genius.

These must in the unpeopled sky
Succeed, and govern destiny:
Jove is tempering purer fire,
And will with brighter flames attire
These glorious lights. I must ascend,
And help the work.

Kingdoms.

1.We cannot lend
Heaven so much treasure. 2. Nor that pay,
But rend'ring what it takes away.
3.Why should they, that here can move
So well, be ever fix'd above?

Chorus.

Or be to one eternal posture tied,
That can into such various figures slide?

Genius.

Jove shall not, to enrich the sky,
Beggar the earth: their fame shall fly
From hence alone, and in the sphere
Kindle new stars, whilst they rest here.

Kingdoms.

1, 2, 3.How can the shaft stay in the quiver,
Yet hit the mark?

Genius.

Did not the river
Eridanus the grace acquire
In heaven and earth to flow:
Above, in streams of golden fire,
In silver waves below?

Kingdoms.

1, 2, 3.But shall not we, now thou art gone
Who wert our Nature, wither,
Or break that triple union
Which thy soul held together?

Genius.

In concord's pure immortal spring
I will my force renew,
And a more active virtue bring
At my return. Adieu.

Kingdoms . Adieu. — Chorus . Adieu. The Masquers dance their main dance; which done, the scene again is varied into a new and pleasant prospect, clean differing from all the other; the nearest part showing a delicious garden, with several walks and parterres set round with low trees, and on the sides, against these walks, were fountains and grots, and in the furthest part a palace, from whence went high walks upon arches, and above them open terraces planted with cypress trees; and all this together was composed of such ornaments as might express a princely villa. From hence the Chorus, descending into the room, goes up to the State.
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