On his lovely body shower Leaves of rofes, virgin lilies,. And with garlands dress the bower. 20 Rittornel of flutes. After which Cupid rifes, and fings with his bow drawn.. Yield to the God of foft Defires! Whofe gentle influence infpires Throughout nature With fprightly joys and genial fires. Chorus of the Shepherds and Nymphs. Every creature Throughout nature Owns thy power as well as we.. 2.5 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. HY MEN. Behold a greater power than he, Behold the Marriage Deity! Chorus, by Hymen's Attendants. Behold the Marriage Deity! 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 Α CANTATA. SET BY MR. GALLIARD. RECITATIVE. VENUS! thy throne of beauty now refign! Behold on earth a conquering fair, Who more deferves Love's crown to wear! Not thy own star so bright in heaven does shine. Ask of thy fon her name, who with his dart Has deeply grav'd it in my heart ; Or afk the God of tuneful found, Who fings it to his lyre, And does this maid inspire 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! 20 And when from heaven you shall descend,., 25 When you prefent her all your train of Loves, Your chariot, and your murmuring doves, Tell her the wants one charm to make the reft more N every age, to brighter honours born, Which lovelieft nymphs and fweetest bards adorn, Beauty and Wit each other's aid require, And Poets fing what once the fair inspire; 3 The 1 The Fair for ever thus her charms prolong, And he, who rais'd his genius, fhares his praife. 5 Th' infpiring Beauty, the recording Muse. 10 CLAUDIAN US. IN EPITHALAMIO HONORII ET MARIE.. CUNCTATUR ftupefacta Venus. Nunc ora puellæ, Nunc flavam niveo miratur vertice matrem.. TRANSLATED. 10 Venus coming to a nuptial ceremony, and entering the room, fees the bride and.. her mother fitting tegether, &c. On which occasion Claudian makes the following description. THE Goddess paus'd; and, held in deep amaze, Now views the mother's, now the daughter's face; Different |