On his lovely body fhower Leaves of roses, virgin lilies, And with garlands drefs the bower. 20 Rittornel of flutes. After which Cupid rifes, and fings with his how drawn. Yield to the God of foft Defires! Whofe gentle influence inspires Throughout nature With sprightly joys and genial fires. Chorus of the Shepherds and Nymphs. Hail, thou potent Deity! Every creature Throughout nature Owns thy power as well as we. 25 30 Enter Hymen in a faffron-coloured robe, a chaplet of flowers on his head, and in his hand the nuptial torch; attended by priests. HYME N. Behold a greater power than he, Behold the Marriage Deity! Chorus, by Hymen's Attendants. Behold the Marriage Deity! CUPID, fmiling. Behold the God of Houfhold Strife, HYME N. Foolish and inconstant boy! CUPID. Hymen's bondage lafts for ever; HYME N. Love's ftolen pleafures, infincere, 35 40 Purchas'd at a rate too dear, 45 If Hymen license not the joy. [Both together.] Then let us join hands and unite. Laft Chorus of the Shepherds and Nymphs. How happy, how happy, how happy are we, Where Cupid and Hymen in confort agree! We'll revel all day with fports and delight, And Hymen and Cupid fhall govern the night. K 4 50 A CAN. A CANTAT VE SET BY MR. GALLIARD. RECITATIVE. ENUS! thy throne of beauty now refign! Who more deferves Love's crown to wear ! Or ask the God of tuneful found, And does this maid infpire With his own art, to give a furer wound. AIR. Hark! the groves her fongs repeat; Learns her voice, and grows more sweet. Yet Venus once again my fuit attend! And when from heaven you fhall defcend, When you prefent her all your train of Loves, 20 25 Tell her she wants one charm to make the reft more IN every age, to brighter honours born, Which loveliest nymphs and sweetest bards adorn, Beauty and Wit each other's aid require, And Poets fing what once the fair inspire; The Fair for ever thus her charms prolong, And the, who rais'd his genius, shares his praise. Th' inipiring Beauty, the recording Mufe. 10 5 CLAUDIANUS. IN EPITHALAMIO HONORII ET MARIÆ. CUNCT 'UNCTATUR ftupefacta Venus, Nunc ora puellæ, Hæc modo crefcenti, plenæ par altera lunæ : TRANSLATED. 5 Venus coming to a nuptial ceremony, and entering the room, fees the bride and her mother fitting together, &c. On which occafion Claudian makes the following defcription. ΤΗ HE Goddess paus'd; and, held in deep amaze, face; Different |