The Mad Lover Part 21

_Chi._ 'Tis the Devil, To claw us for our catterwawling.

_Priest._ Retire softly, I did not look for you these two hours, Lady, Beshrew your hast: that way. [_To_ Chilax.

_Chi._ That goes to the Altar!

Ye old blind Beast.

_Priest._ I know not, any way; Still they come nearer, I'le in to th' Oracle.

_Chi._ That's well remembred I'le in with ye.

_Priest._ Do. [_Exeunt Priest, and_ Chilax.

_Enter_ Calis _and her Train with lights, singing:_ Lucippe, Cleanthe.

SONG.

_O fair sweet G.o.ddess Queen of Loves,_ _Soft and gentle, as thy Doves,_ _Humble ey'd, and ever ruing_ _Those poor hearts, their Loves pursuing:_ _O thou Mother of delights,_ _Crowner of all happy nights,_ _Star of dear content, and pleasure,_ _Of mutual loves the endless treasure,_ _Accept this sacrifice we bring,_ _Thou continual youth and Spring,_ _Grant this Lady her desires,_ _And every hour we'll crown thy fires._

Enter a Nun.

Nun. _You about her all retire,_ _Whilest the Princess feeds the fire,_ _When your Devotions ended be_ _To the Oracle I will attend ye._

[_Exit_ Nun and draws the Curtain close to _Calis_.

_Enter_ Stremon _and_ Eumenes.

_Strem._ He will abroad.

_Eumen._ How does his humour hold him?

_Stre._ He is now grown wondrous sad, weeps often too, Talks of his Brother to himself, starts strangely.

_Eumen._ Does he not curse?

_Strem._ No.

_Eumen._ Nor break out in fury, Offering some new attempt?

_Strem._ Neither; to th' Temple Is all we hear of now: what there he will do--

_Eumen._ I hope repent his folly, let's be near him.

_Strem._ Where are the rest?

_Eumen._ About a business Concerns him mainly, if Heav'n cure his madness, He's made for ever, _Stremon_.

_Strem._ Does the King know it?

_Eumen._ Yes, and much troubled with it, he's now gone To seek his Sister out.

_Strem._ Come let's away then. [_Exeunt_ Eumen. Strem. Cal.

_Enter Nun, she opens the Curtain to_ Calis.

Calis _at the Oracle._

_Nun._ Peace to your Prayers Lady, will it please ye To pa.s.s on to the Oracle?

_Cal._ Most humbly. [Chilax _and Priest, in the Oracle_.

_Chi._ Do ye hear that?

_Priest._ Yes, lie close.

_Chi._ A wildfire take ye, What shall become of me? I shall be hang'd now: Is this a time to shake? a halter shake ye, Come up and juggle, come.

_Priest._ I am monstrous fearful.

_Chi._ Up ye old gaping Oyster, up and answer; A mouldy Mange upon your chops, ye told me I was safe here till the Bell rung.

_Priest._ I was prevented, And did not look these three hours for the Princess.

_Chi._ Shall we be taken?

_Priest._ Speak for loves sake, _Chilax_; I cannot, nor I dare not.

_Chi._ I'le speak Treason, for I had as lieve be hang'd for that.

_Priest._ Good _Chilax_.

_Chi._ Must it be sung or said? what shall I tell 'em?

They are here; here now preparing.

_Priest._ O my Conscience!

_Chi._ Plague o' your spurgall'd Conscience, does it tire now?

Now when it should be tuffest? I could make thee--

_Priest._ Save us, we are both undone else.

_Chi._ Down ye Dog then, Be quiet, and be stanch to no inundations.

_Nun._ Here kneel again, and _Venus_ grant your wishes.

Calis. _O Divine Star of Heaven,_ _Thou in power above the seven:_ _Thou sweet kindler of desires,_ _Till they grow to mutual fires:_ _Thou, O gentle Queen, that art_ _Curer of each wounded heart:_ _Thou the fuel, and the flame;_ _Thou in Heaven, and here the same:_ _Thou the wooer, and the woo'd:_ _Thou the hunger, and the food:_ _Thou the prayer, and the pray'd;_ _Thou what is, or shall be said:_ _Thou still young, and golden tressed,_ _Make me by thy Answer blessed._

_Chi._ When?

_Priest._ Now speak handsomly, and small by all means, I have told ye what. [_Thunder._