Volume I Part 86 (1/2)

This strange unusual something in my Soul, That pleads so movingly for _Silvio_ there; And makes me wish him not allied to me?

[A noise of rural Musick is heard within the Trees, as Pipes, Flutes, and Voices.

Hah! what pleasant Noise is this? sure 'tis i' the Air-- Bless me, what strange things be these!

Enter Swains playing upon Pipes, after them four Shepherds with Garlands and Flowers, and four Nymphs dancing an amorous Dance to that Musick; wherein the Shepherds make Love to the Nymphs, and put the Garlands on their Heads, and go out; the Nymphs come and lay them at _Cleonte's_ Feet, and sing.

1 Nymph. _Here at your Feet, we tribute pay, Of all the Glories of the May._

2 Nymph. _Such Trophies can be only due To Victors so divine as you,_

Both. _Come, follow, follow, where Love leads the way, To Pleasures that admit of no Delay._

1 Nymph. _Come follow to the amorous Shade, Covered with Roses, and with Jessamine._

2 Nymph. _Where the Love-sick Boy is laid, Panting for Love's charming Queen._

Both. _Come follow, follow, where we lead the way, To Pleasures that admit of no delay._ [Lead her out.

_The Scene changes to a fine Arbour, they leave her and vanish._

_Cleo._ I am all Wonder.

Enter _Silvio_ in rapture, not yet seeing _Cleonte_.

_Silv._ I'm all on Fire, till I enjoy my Sister; Not all the Laws of Birth and Nature Can hinder me from loving-- Nor is't just: Why should the charm of fair _Cleonte's_ Eyes, Me less than Aliens to her Blood surprize?

And why (since I love Beauty every where, And that _Cleonte_ has the greatest share) Should not I be allowed to wors.h.i.+p her?

The empty Words of Nature and of Blood, Are such as Lovers never understood.

Prudence in love 'twere Nonsense to approve, And he loves most that gives a Loose to Love.

_Cleo._ _Silvio_ here!

_Silv._ Hah-- yonder she's! [Sees her.

And now my Pa.s.sion knows no Bounds, nor Laws.

_Cleonte_, come, come satisfy my Flame.

[Runs to her, and takes her pa.s.sionately by the hand.

These private Shades are ours, no jealous Eye Can interrupt our Heaven of Joy.

_Cleo._ What mean you? do you know I am your Sister?

_Silv._ Oh that accursed Name!-- why should it check me? [He pauses.

Wouldst thou had rather been some mis-begotten Monster, That might have startled Nature at thy Birth: Or if the Powers above would have thee fair, Why wert thou born my Sister?

Oh, if thou shouldst preserve thy Soul, and mine, Fly from this Place and me; make haste away, A strange wild Monster is broke in upon thee; A thing that was a Man, but now as mad As raging Love can make him.

Fly me, or thou art lost for ever.

_Cleo._ Remember, _Silvio_, that you are my Brother, And can you hurt your Sister? [Weeps.

_Silv._ Shouldst thou repeat those Ties a thousand times, 'Twill not redeem thee from the Fate that threatens thee.

Be gone, whilst so much Virtue does remain about me, To wish thee out of Danger.