CRI. But, lady, for the revellers themselves, It would be better, in my poor conceit, That others were employ'd; for such as are Unfit to be in Cynthia's court, can seem No less unfit to be in Cynthia's sports. ARE. That, Crites, is not purposed without Particular knowledge of the goddess' mind; Who holding true intelligence, what follies Had crept into her palace, she resolved Of sports and triumphs; under that pretext, To have them muster in their pomp and fulness, That so she might more strictly, and to root, Effect the reformation she intends. CRI. I now conceive her heavenly drift in all; And will apply my spirits to serve her will. O thou, the very power by which I am, And but for which it were in vain to be, Chief next Diana, virgin heavenly fair, Admired Arete, of them admired Whose souls are not enkindled by the sense, Disdain not my chaste fire, but feed the flame Devoted truly to thy gracious name. ARE. Leave to suspect us: Crites well shall find, As we are now most dear, we'll prove most kind. [WITHIN.] Arete! ARE. Hark, I am call'd. [EXIT.] CRI. I follow instantly. Phoebus Apollo, if with ancient rites, And due devotions, I have ever hung Elaborate Paeans on thy golden shrine, Or sung thy triumphs in a lofty strain, Fit for a theatre of gods to hear: And thou, the other son of mighty Jove, Cyllenian Mercury, sweet Maia's joy, If in the busy tumults of the mind My path thou ever hast illumined, For which thine altars I have oft perfumed, And deck'd thy statues with discolour'd flowers: Now thrive invention in this glorious court, That not of bounty only, but of right, Cynthia may grace, and give it life by sight. [EXIT.] SCENE III. ENTER HESPERUS, CYNTHIA, ARETE, TIME, PHRONESIS, AND THAUMA. MUSIC ACCOMPANIED. HESPERUS SINGS. Queen and huntress, chaste and fair, Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light, Goddess, excellently bright. Earth, let not thy envious shade Dare itself to interpose; Cynthia's shining orb was made Heav'n to clear, when day did close: Bless us then with wished sight, Goddess excellently bright. Lay thy bow of pearl apart, And thy crystal shining quiver; Give unto the flying hart Space to breathe, how short soever: Thou, that mak'st a day of night, Goddess excellently bright.