Where shall we find relief? Is there no end of grief? Is there no comfort left? What cruel Charms bereft The patrons of our youth? We must now beg for ruth. _Enter_ Kind pity is the most _Obscurity._ Poor boys can hope for, when Their joys are lost. OBSCURITY. Light, I salute thee; I, Obscurity, The son of Darkness and forgetful Lethe; I, that envy thy brightness, greet thee now, Enforc'd by Fate. Fate makes the strongest bow. The ever youthful Knights by spells enchain'd, And long within my shady nooks restrain'd, Must be enlarged, and I the Usher be To their night glories; so the Fates agree. Then, put on life, Obscurity, and prove As light as light, for awe, if not for love. Lo! hear their tender year'd, kind-hearted Squires, Mourning their Master's loss; no new desires Can train them from these walks, but here they wend From shade to shade, and give their toils no end. But now will I relieve their suffering care. Hear me, fair Youths! since you so constant are In faith to your lov'd Knights, go haste apace, And with your bright lights guide them to this place; For if you fall directly, that descent, Their wished approach will farther search prevent. Haste by the virtue of a charming song, While I retrieve them, lest they lag too long. THE CALL, OR SONG OF OBSCURITY. Appear, Appear, you happy Knights! Here are several sorts of Lights: Fire and beauty shine together, Your slow steps inviting hither. Come away; and from your eyes Th' old shades remove, For now the Destinies Release you at the suit of Love. So, so: 'tis well marched, march apace; Two by two fill up the place, And then with voice and measure Greet the King of Love and Pleasure. Now, Music, change thy notes, and meet Aptly with the Dancers' feet; For 'tis the pleasure of Delight That they shall triumph all this night. THE SONG AND DANCE TOGETHER. Frolic measures now become you, Overlong obscured Knights: What if Lethe did benumb you, Love now wakes you to delights. Love is like a golden flower, Your comely youth adorning: Pleasure is a gentle shower Shed in some April morning.