[_Rough music, viz., salt-boxes and rolling-pins, gridirons and tongs; sow-gelders' horns, marrowbones and cleavers, &c. &c. He wakes._ _Chro._ What heav'nly sounds are these that charm my ears! Sure 'tis the music of the tuneful spheres. _Enter_ CAPTAIN OF THE GUARDS. _Cap._ A messenger from Gen'ral Bombardinion Craves instant audience of your majesty. _Chro._ Give him admittance. _Enter_ HERALD. _Her._ Long life to Chrononhotonthologos! Your faithful Gen'ral Bombardinion Sends you his tongue, transplanted in my mouth, To pour his soul out in your royal ears. _Chro._ Then use thy master's tongue with reverence. Nor waste it in thine own loquacity, But briefly and at large declare thy message. _Her._ Suspend awhile, great Chrononhotonthologos, The fate of empires and the toils of war; And in my tent let's quaff Falernian wine Till our souls mount and emulate the gods. Two captive females, beauteous as the morn, Submissive to your wishes, court your option. Haste then, great king, to bless us with your presence. Our scouts already watch the wish'd approach, Which shall be welcom'd by the drums' dread rattle, The cannons' thunder, and the trumpets' blast; While I, in front of mighty myrmidons, Receive my king in all the pomp of war. _Chro._ Tell him I come; my flying steed prepare; Ere thou art half on horseback I'll be there. [_Exeunt._ SCENE.--_A Prison._ _The King of the Antipodes discover'd sleeping on a couch. Enter_ QUEEN. _Queen._ Is this a place, oh! all ye gods above, This a reception for the man I love? See in what sweet tranquillity he sleeps, While Nature's self at his confinement weeps. Rise, lovely monarch! see your friend appear, No Chrononhotonthologos is here; Command your freedom, by this sacred ring; Then command me. What says my charming king? [_She puts the ring in his mouth, he bends the sea-crab, and makes a roaring noise._ _Queen._ What can this mean! he lays his feet at mine: Is this of love or hate, his country's sign? Ah! wretched queen! how hapless is thy lot, To love a man that understands thee not! Oh! lovely Venus, goddess all divine! And gentle Cupid, that sweet son of thine, Assist, assist me, with your sacred art, And teach me to obtain this stranger's heart. VENUS _descends in her chariot, and sings._ AIR. _Ven._ See Venus does attend thee, My dilding, my dolding. Love's goddess will befriend thee, Lily bright and shiny. With pity and compassion. My dilding, my dolding, She sees thy tender passion, Lily, &c. _Da capo._ _Air changes._