_Ariad._ Mercurian issue, sons of son of Jove, By the Cyllenian rod, and by the love Devotely chaste you vow Pasithea, Descend: first thou more bright of these That givest my crown her name, clear Dolopes, Whose brave descent lets not thy fair heart fall As born of parents most heroical, Who vows himself, his life, his sword and fortune To her whose constant goodness doth importune More than he is: descend! Next him, Auctolius, Of nimble spirit slide to honour us; Faithfull'st Evander; clear-soul'd Erythus; The hopeful Prilis and sweet Polybus; And thou, true son of quick-brain'd Mercury, Dear-loved Myrtillus, with that bright soul mix'd, Experienced Lares, that at last is fix'd After much danger in securer sphere. Here all with wishèd easiness appear, And O, if ever you were worth the grace Of viewing majesty in mortal's face, If e'er to perfect worth you vow'd heart's duty, Show spirit worth your virtues and their beauty. The violins upon this played a new measure, to which the masquers danced; and ceasing, Cynthia spake:-- Stay a little, and now breathe ye, Whilst these ladies grace bequeath ye; Then mix fair hands, and gently ease ye, Cynthia charms hence what may displease ye. From ladies that are rudely coy, Barring their loves from modest joy, From ignorant silence, and proud looks, From those that answer out of books, From those that hate our chaste delight, I bless the fortune of each starry Knight. From gallants who still court with oaths, From those whose only grace is clothes, From bumbast stockings, vile leg-makers, From beards and great tobacco-takers, I bless the fortune of each starry dame. Sing, that my charm may be more strong; The gods are bound by verse and song. _The Song_ Audacious night makes bold the lip, Now all court chaster pleasure, Whilst to Apollo's harp you trip, And tread the gracing measure. _Cynth._ Now meet, now break, then feign a warlike sally; So Cynthia sports, and so the gods may dally. Judicious wit, now raise thy brain, Now heat thy nimbler spirit, Show what delicious faces strain; Much passion shows much merit. _Cynth._ Now meet, now break, then feign a warlike sally; So Cynthia sports, and so the gods may dally. Lascivious youth not dare to speak The language of loose city; He that Diana's bonds doth break Is held most rudely witty. _Cynth._ Now meet, now break, then feign a warlike sally; So Cynthia sports, and so the gods may dally. Disgracious dullness yet much mars The shape of courtly talking; He that can silent touch such stars His soul lies in his walking. _Cynth._ Now meet, now break, then feign a warlike sally; So Cynthia sports, and so the gods may dally.