Madam, See what a change the spirit of your eyes Hath wrought in us. Hence dull Saturn flies, And we that were the ghost of woe and earth Are all transform'd unto the soul of mirth. O we are full of joy, no breast more light But those who owe you theirs by nature's right; From whom vouchsafe this present,--'tis a work Wherein strange miracles and wonders lurk. For, know, that Lady whose ambition towers Only to this, to be term'd worthy yours; Whose forehead I could crown with clearest rays, But that her praise is she abhors much praise; Not long since thought she saw in slumb'ring trances The Queen of Fairies and of moonlight dances Come tripping in; and with a fairy kiss She chastely touch'd her and straight gave her this With this strange charge:--"This piece alone was made For her in whom no graces e'er shall fade; For her whose worth is such I dare aver It fears not satire nor the flatterer; For her who gave you first most gracing name, Who loveth goodness for itself, not fame; For her whom modest virtue doth enfold[612] so That she had rather be much graced than told so; For her for whom, had you the whole world's breast And of it all gave her sole interest, You'd judge it slight." This said, hence straight she flew, And left it her who only vows it you. Then whilst our breast with secret welcomes ring, Vouchsafe acceptance of this offering. Thus with a song Merimna presented her[613] honour with a very curious and rich waistcoat; which done, the Countess passed on to her chamber. _The Masque presented by four knights and four gentlemen at the right noble Earl of Huntingdon's house of Ashby in honour of his Lady's most worthy mother's arrival, Alice Countess Dowager of Derby._ The form was thus:-- At the approach of the countesses into the great chamber the hoboys played until the room was marshalled; which once ordered, a traverse[614] slided away; presently a cloud was seen move up and down almost to the top of the great chamber, upon which Cynthia was discovered riding; her habit was blue satin, fairly embroidered with stars and clouds: who looking down and earnestly surveying the ladies, spake thus:--