Classic Poem

Eternity, Eusebeia, Aletheia, Sophia, Homonoia, Dicaearche, Euphemia.

Eternity.

Be fixed, you rapid orbs, that bear
The changing seasons of the year
On your swift wings, and see the old
Decrepit sphere grown dark and cold;
Nor did Jove quench her fires: these bright
Flames have eclipsed her sullen light,
This Royal Pair, for whom Fate will
Make motion cease, and time stand still:
Since good is here so perfect, as no worth
Is left for after-ages to bring forth.

Eusebeia.

Mortality cannot with more
Religious zeal the Gods adore.

Aletheia.

My truths, from human eyes conceal'd,
Are naked to their sight reveal'd.

Sophia.

Nor do their actions from the guide
Of my exactest precepts slide.

Homonoia.

And as their own pure souls entwined,
So are their subjects' hearts combined.

Dicaearche.

So just, so gentle is their sway,
As it seems empire to obey.

Euphemia.

And their fair fame, like incense hurl'd
On altars, hath perfumed the world.
Soph. Wisdom. Aleth . Truth. Euse . Pure Adoration.
Hom. Concord. Dicae . Rule. Euphem . Clear Reputation.

Chorus.

Crown this King, this Queen, this Nation!

Chorus.

Wisdom, truth, &c.

Eternity.

Brave spirits, whose advent'rous feet
Have to the mountain's top aspired,
Where fair desert and honour meet,
Here from the toiling press retired,
Secure from all disturbing evil,
For ever in my temple revel.

With wreaths of stars circled about,
Gild all the spacious firmament,
And, smiling on the panting routs
That labour in the steep ascent,
With your resistless influence guide
Of human change th' incertain tide.

Eusebeia, Aletheia, Sophia.

But oh, you Royal Turtles, shed,
When you from earth remove,
On the ripe fruit of your chaste bed
Those sacred seeds of love.

Chorus.

Which no power can but yours dispense,
Since you the pattern bear from hence.

Homonoia, Dicaearche, Euphemia.

Then from your fruitful race shall flow
Endless succession:
Sceptres shall bud, and laurels blow
'Bout their immortal throne.

Chorus.

Propitious stars shall crown each birth,
Whilst you rule them, and they the earth. The song ended, the two clouds, with the persons sitting on them, ascend; the great cloud closeth again, and so passeth away overthwart the scene, leaving behind it nothing but a serene sky. After which, the masquers dance their last dance, and the curtain was let fall.