arms of the city, and a mace lying under it: on the other side is a figure of the Thames, with his legs shackled, and leaning on an empty urn: behind these are two imperial figures; one representing his present majesty; and the other the queen: by the king stands Pallas, (or wisdom and valour,) holding a charter for the city, the king extending his hand, as raising her drooping head, and restoring her to her ancient honour and glory: over the city are the envious devouring Harpies flying from the face of his majesty: By the queen stand the Three Graces, holding garlands of flowers, and at her feet Cupids bound, with their bows and arrows broken, the queen pointing with her sceptre to the river, and commanding the Graces to take off their fetters. Over the king, in a scroll, is this verse of Virgil, _Discite justitiam, moniti, et non temnere divos._ Over the queen, this of the same author, _Non ignara mali, miscris succurrere disco._ ALBION AND ALBANIUS. AN OPERA. DECORATIONS OF THE STAGE IN THE FIRST ACT. _The Curtain rises, and there appears on either side of the Stage, next to the Frontispiece, a Statue on Horseback of Gold, on Pedestals of Marble, enriched with Gold, and bearing the Imperial Arms of England. One of these Statues is taken from that of the late King at Charing-cross; the other from that figure of his present Majesty (done by that noble Artist, Mr. Gibbons) at Windsor._ _The Scene is a Street of Palaces, which lead to the Front of the Royal-Exchange; the great Arch is open, and the view is continued through the open part of the Exchange, to the Arch on the other side, and thence to as much of the Street beyond, as could possibly be taken._ MERCURY DESCENDS IN A CHARIOT DRAWN BY RAVENS. _He comes to Augusta and Thamesis. They lie on Couches at a distance from each other in dejected postures; She attended by Cities, He by Rivers._ _On the side of Augusta's Couch are painted towers falling, a Scarlet Gown, and a Gold Chain, a Cap of Maintenance thrown down, and a Sword in a Velvet Scabbard thrust through it, the City Arms, a Mace with an old useless Charter, and all in disorder. Before Thamesis are broken Reeds, Bull-rushes, Sedge, &c. with his Urn Reverst._ ACT I. MERCURY _Descends._ _Mer._ Thou glorious fabric! stand, for ever stand: Well worthy thou to entertain The God of Traffic, and of Gain, To draw the concourse of the land, And wealth of all the main. But where the shoals of merchants meeting? Welcome to their friends repeating, Busy bargains' deafer sound? Tongue confused of every nation? Nothing here but desolation, Mournful silence reigns around. _Aug._ O Hermes! pity me! I was, while heaven did smile, The queen of all this isle, Europe's pride, And Albion's bride; But gone my plighted lord! ah, gone is he! O Hermes! pity me!