HENCE，loathedMelancholy，……OfCerberusandblackestMidnightbornInStygiancaveforlorn……’Mongsthorridshapes，andshrieks，andsightsunholy！
　　Findoutsomeuncouthcell，……WherebroodingDarknessspreadshisjealouswings，Andthenight—ravensings；……There，underebonshadesandlow—browedrocks，Asraggedasthylocks，……IndarkCimmeriandeserteverdwell。
　　Butcome，thouGoddessfairandfree，InheavenycleptEuphrosyne，Andbymenheart—easingMirth；
　　WhomlovelyVenus，atabirth，WithtwosisterGracesmore，Toivy—crownedBacchusbore：
　　Orwhether（assomesagersing）
　　Thefrolicwindthatbreathesthespring，Zephyr，withAurorapIaying，Ashemetheroncea—Maying，There，onbedsofvioletsblue，Andfresh—blownroseswashedindew，Filledherwiththee，。adaughterfair，Sobuxom，blithe，anddebonair。
　　Hastethee，Nymph，andbringwiththeeJest，andyouthfulJollity，Quipsandcranksandwantonwiles，NodsandbecksandwreathedsmilesSuchashangonHebe’scheek，Andlovetoliveindimplesleek；
　　SportthatwrinkledCarederides，AndLaughterholdingbothhissides。
　　Come，andtripit，asyougo，Onthelightfantastictoe；
　　AndinthyrighthandleadwiththeeThemountain—nymph，sweetLiberty；
　　And，ifIgivetheehonourdue，Mirth，admitmeofthycrew，Tolivewithher，andlivewiththee，Inunreprovedpleasuresfree：
　　Tohearthelarkbeginhisflight，And，singing，startlethedullnight，Fromhiswatch—towerintheskies，Tillthedappleddawndothrise；
　　Thentocome，inspiteofsorrow，Andatmywindowbidgood—morrow，Throughthesweet—briarorthevine，Orthetwistedeglantine；
　　Whilethecock，withlivelydin，Scatterstherearofdarknessthin，Andtothestack，orthebarn—door，Stoutlystrutshisdamesbefore：
　　OftlisteninghowthehoundsandhornCheerlyrousetheslumberingmorn，Fromthesideofsomehoarhill，Throughthehighwoodechoingshrill：
　　Sometimewalking，notunseen，Byhedgerowelms，onhillocksgreen，RightagainsttheeasterngateWherethegreatSunbeginshisstate，Robedinflamesandamberlight，Thecloudsinthousandliveriesdight；
　　Whiletheploughman，nearathand，Whistleso’erthefurrowedland，Andthemilkmaidsingethblithe，Andthemowerwhetshisscythe，AndeveryshepherdtellshistaleUnderthehawthorninthedale。
　　Straightmineeyehathcaughtnewpleasures，Whilstthelandskiprounditmeasures：
　　Russetlawns，andfallowsgrey，Wherethenibblingflocksdostray；
　　MountainsonwhosebarrenbreastThelabouringcloudsdooftenrest；
　　Meadowstrim，withdaisiespied；
　　Shallowbrooks，andriverswide；
　　TowersandbattlementsitseesBosomedhighintuftedtrees，Whereperhapssomebeautylies，Thecynosureofneighbouringeyes。
　　HardbyacottagechimneysmokesFrombetwixttwoagedoaks，WhereCorydonandThyrsismetAreattheirsavourydinnersetOfherbsandothercountrymesses，Whichtheneat—handedPhyllisdresses；
　　Andtheninhasteherbowersheleaves，WithThestylistobindthesheaves；
　　Or，iftheearlierseasonlead，Tothetannedhaycockinthemead。
　　Sometimes，withsecuredelight，Theuplandhamletswillinvite，Whenthemerrybellsringround，AndthejocundrebeckssoundTomanyayouthandmanyamaidDancinginthechequeredshade，AndyoungandoldcomeforthtoplayOnasunshineholiday，Tillthelivelongdaylightfail：
　　Thentothespicynut—brownale，Withstoriestoldofmanyafeat，HowFaeryMabthejunketseat。
　　Shewaspinchedandpulled，shesaid；
　　Andhe，byFriar’slanternled，TellshowthedrudginggoblinsweatToearnhiscream—bowldulyset，Wheninonenight，ereglimpseofmorn，HisshadowyflailhaththreshedthecornThattenday—labourerscouldnotend；
　　Thenlieshimdown，thelubberfiend，And，stretchedoutallthechimney’slength，Basksatthefirehishairystrength，Andcrop—fulloutofdoorsheflings，Erethefirstcockhismatinrings。
　　Thusdonethetales，tobedtheycreep，Bywhisperingwindssoonlulledasleep。
　　Toweredcitiespleaseusthen，Andthebusyhumofmen，Wherethrongsofknightsandbaronsbold，Inweedsofpeace，hightriumphsholdWithstoreofladies，whosebrighteyesRaininfluence，andjudgetheprizeOfwitorarms，whilebothcontendTowinhergracewhomallcommend。
　　ThereletHymenoftappearInsaffronrobe，withtaperclear，Andpomp，andfeast，andrevelry，Withmaskandantiquepageantry；
　　SuchsightsasyouthfulpoetsdreamOnsummerevesbyhauntedstream。
　　Thentothewell—trodstageanon，IfJonson’slearnedsockbeon，OrsweetestShakespeare，Fancy’schild，Warblehisnativewood—noteswild。
　　Andever，againsteatingcares，LapmeinsoftLydianairs，Marriedtoimmortalverse，Suchasthemeetingsoulmaypierce，InnoteswithmanyawindingboutOflinkedsweetnesslongdrawnoutWithwantonheedandgiddycunning，Themeltingvoicethroughmazesrunning，UntwistingallthechainsthattieThehiddensoulofharmony；
　　ThatOrpheus’selfmayheavehisheadFromgoldenslumberonabedOfheapedElysianflowers，andhearSuchstrainsaswouldhavewontheearOfPlutotohavequitesetfreeHishalf—regainedEurydice。
　　Thesedelightsifthoucanstgive，Mirth，withtheeImeantolive。
　　ILPENSEROSO
　　HENCE，vaindeludingJoys，……ThebroodofFollywithoutfatherbred！
　　Howlittleyoubested……Orfillthefixedmindwithallyourtoys！
　　Dwellinsomeidlebrain，……Andfanciesfondwithgaudyshapespossess，Asthickandnumberless……Asthegaymotesthatpeoplethesun—beams，Orlikesthoveringdreams，……TheficklepensionersofMorpheus’train。
　　But，hail！thouGoddesssageandholy！
　　Hail，divinestMelancholy！
　　WhosesaintlyvisageistoobrightTohitthesenseofhumansight，AndthereforetoourweakerviewO’erlaidwithblack，staidWisdom’shue；
　　Black，butsuchasinesteemPrinceMemnon’ssistermightbeseem，OrthatstarredEthiopqueenthatstroveTosetherbeauty’spraiseaboveTheSea—Nymphs，andtheirpowersoffended。
　　Yetthouarthigherfardescended：
　　Theebright—hairedVestalongofyoreTosolitarySaturnbore；
　　Hisdaughtershe；inSaturn’sreignSuchmixturewasnotheldastain。
　　OftinglimmeringbowersandgladesHemether，andinsecretshadesOfwoodyIda’sinmostgrove，WhilstyettherewasnofearofJove。
　　Come，pensiveNun，devoutandpure，Sober，steadfast，anddemure，Allinarobeofdarkestgrain，Flowingwithmajestictrain，AndsablestoleofcypresslawnOverthydecentshouldersdrawn。
　　Come；butkeepthywontedstate，Withevenstep，andmusinggait，Andlookscommercingwiththeskies，Thyraptsoulsittinginthineeyes：
　　There，heldinholypassionstill，Forgetthyselftomarble，tillWithasadleadendownwardcastThoufixthemontheearthasfast。
　　AndjoinwiththeecalmPeaceandQuiet，SpareFast，thatoftwithgodsdothdiet，AndhearstheMusesinaringAyeroundaboutJove’saltarsing；
　　AndaddtotheseretiredLeisure，Thatintrimgardenstakeshispleasure；
　　But，firstandchiefest，withtheebringHimthatyonsoarsongoldenwing，Guidingthefiery—wheeledthrone，TheCherubContemplation；
　　AndthemuteSilencehistalong，’LessPhilomelwilldeignasong，Inhersweetestsaddestplight，SmoothingtheruggedbrowofNight，WhileCynthiachecksherdragonyokeGentlyo’ertheaccustomedoak。
　　Sweetbird，thatshunn’stthenoiseoffolly，Mostmusical，mostmelancholy！
　　Thee，chauntress，oftthewoodsamongIwoo，tohearthyeven—song；
　　And，missingthee，IwalkunseenOnthedrysmooth—shavengreen，Tobeholdthewanderingmoon，Ridingnearherhighestnoon，LikeonethathadbeenledastrayThroughtheheaven’swidepathlessway，Andoft，asifherheadshebowed，Stoopingthroughafleecycloud。
　　Oft，onaplatofrisingground，Ihearthefar—offcurfewsound，Oversomewide—wateredshore，Swingingslowwithsullenroar；
　　Or，iftheairwillnotpermit，Somestillremovedplacewillfit，WhereglowingembersthroughtheroomTeachlighttocounterfeitagloom，Farfromallresortofmirth，Savethecricketonthehearth，Orthebellman’sdrowsycharmToblessthedoorsfromnightlyharm。
　　Orletmylamp，atmidnighthour，Beseeninsomehighlonelytower，WhereImayoftoutwatchtheBear，WiththricegreatHermes，orunsphereThespiritofPlato，tounfoldWhatworldsorwhatvastregionsholdTheimmortalmindthathathforsookHermansioninthisfleshlynook；
　　AndofthosedemonsthatarefoundInfire，air，flood，orunderground，WhosepowerhathatrueconsentWithplanetorwithelement。
　　SometimeletgorgeousTragedyInsceptredpallcomesweepingby，PresentingThebes，orPelops’line，OrthetaleofTroydivine，Orwhat（thoughrare）oflaterageEnnobledhaththebuskinedstage。
　　But，OsadVirgin！thatthypowerMightraiseMusaeusfromhisbower；
　　OrbidthesoulofOrpheussingSuchnotesas，warbledtothestring，DrewirontearsdownPluto’scheek，AndmadeHellgrantwhatlovedidseek；
　　Orcalluphimthatlefthalf—toldThestoryofCambuscanbold，OfCamball，andofAlgarsife，AndwhohadCanacetowife，Thatownedthevirtuousringandglass，AndofthewondroushorseofbrassOnwhichtheTartarkingdidride；
　　AndifaughtelsegreatbardsbesideInsageandsolemntuneshavesung，Ofturneys，andoftrophieshung，Offorests，andenchantmentsdrear，Wheremoreismeantthanmeetstheear。
　　Thus，Night，oftseemeinthypalecareer，Tillcivil—suitedMornappear，Nottrickedandfrounced，asshewaswontWiththeAtticboytohunt，ButkerchieftinacomelycloudWhilerockingwindsarepipingloud，Orusheredwithashowerstill，Whenthegusthathblownhisfill，Endingontherustlingleaves，Withminute—dropsfromofftheeaves。
　　And，whenthesunbeginstoflingHisflaringbeams，me，Goddess，bringToarchedwalksoftwilightgroves，Andshadowsbrown，thatSylvanloves，Ofpine，ormonumentaloak，WheretherudeaxewithheavedstrokeWasneverheardthenymphstodaunt，Orfrightthemfromtheirhallowedhaunt。
　　There，inclosecovert，bysomebrook，Wherenoprofanereyemaylook，Hidemefromday’sgarisheye，Whilethebeewithhoneyedthigh，Thatatherfloweryworkdothsing，Andthewatersmurmuring，Withsuchconsortastheykeep，Enticethedewy—featheredSleep。
　　AndletsomestrangemysteriousdreamWaveathiswings，inairystreamOflivelyportraituredisplayed，Softlyonmyeyelidslaid；
　　And，asIwake，sweetmusicbreatheAbove，about，orunderneath，SentbysomeSpirittomortalsgood，OrtheunseenGeniusofthewood。
　　ButletmyduefeetneverfailTowalkthestudiouscloister’spale，Andlovethehighembowedroof，Withantiquepillarsmassyproof，Andstoriedwindowsrichlydight，Castingadimreligiouslight。
　　Thereletthepealingorganblow，Tothefull—voicedquirebelow，Inservicehighandanthemsclear，Asmaywithsweetness，throughmineear，Dissolvemeintoecstasies，AndbringallHeavenbeforemineeyes。
　　AndmayatlastmywearyageFindoutthepeacefulhermitage，Thehairygownandmossycell，WhereImaysitandrightlyspellOfeverystarthatheavendothshew，Andeveryherbthatsipsthedew，TilloldexperiencedoattainTosomethinglikepropheticstrain。
　　Thesepleasures，Melancholy，give；
　　AndIwiththeewillchoosetolive。
　　COMUS
　　AMASQUEPRESENTEDATLUDLOWCASTLE，1634，BEFORE
　　THEEARLOFBRIDGEWATER，THENPRESIDENTOFWALES。
　　ThePersonsTheATTENDANTSPIRIT，afterwardsinthehabitofTHYRSIS。
　　COMUS，withhisCrew。
　　TheLADY。
　　FIRSTBROTHER。
　　SECONDBROTHER。
　　SABRINA，theNymph。
　　TheChiefPersonswhichpresentedwere：——
　　TheLordBrackley；
　　Mr。ThomasEgerton，hisBrother；
　　TheLadyAliceEgerton。
　　ThefirstScenediscoversawildwood。
　　TheATTENDANTSPIRITdescendsorenters。
　　BEFOREthestarrythresholdofJove’scourtMymansionis，wherethoseimmortalshapesOfbrightaerialspiritsliveinspheredInregionsmildofcalmandsereneair，AbovethesmokeandstirofthisdimspotWhichmencallEarth，and，withlow—thoughtedcare，Confinedandpesteredinthispinfoldhere，Strivetokeepupafrailandfeverishbeing，UnmindfulofthecrownthatVirtuegives，Afterthismortalchange，tohertrueservantsAmongsttheenthronedgodsonsaintedseats。
　　YetsometherebethatbyduestepsaspireTolaytheirjusthandsonthatgoldenkeyThatopesthepalaceofeternity。
　　ToSuchmyerrandis；and，butforsuch，IwouldnotsoilthesepureambrosialweedsWiththerankvapoursofthissin—wornmould。
　　Buttomytask。Neptune，besidestheswayOfeverysaltfloodandeachebbingstream，Tookinbylot，’twixthighandnetherJove，Imperialruleofallthesea—girtislesThat，liketorichandvariousgems，inlayTheunadornedbosomofthedeep；
　　Whichhe，togracehistributarygods，Bycoursecommitstoseveralgovernment，AndgivesthemleavetoweartheirsapphirecrownsAndwieldtheirlittletridents。ButthisIsle，Thegreatestandthebestofallthemain，Hequarterstohisblue—haireddeities；
　　AndallthistractthatfrontsthefallingsunAnoblePeerofmickletrustandpowerHasinhischarge，withtemperedawetoguideAnoldandhaughtynation，proudinarms：
　　Wherehisfairoffspring，nursedinprincelylore，Arecomingtoattendtheirfather’sstate，Andnew—intrustedsceptre。ButtheirwayLiesthroughtheperplexedpathsofthisdrearwood，ThenoddinghorrorofwhoseshadybrowsThreatstheforlornandwanderingpassenger；
　　Andheretheirtenderagemightsufferperil，Butthat，byquickcommandfromsovranJove，Iwasdespatchedfortheirdefenceandguard：
　　Andlistenwhy；forIwilltellyounowWhatneveryetwasheardintaleorsong，Fromoldormodernbard，inhallorbower。
　　Bacchus，thatfirstfromoutthepurplegrapeCrushedthesweetpoisonofmisusedwine，AftertheTuscanmarinerstransformed，CoastingtheTyrrheneshore，asthewindslisted，OnCirce’sislandfell。（WhoknowsnotCirce，ThedaughteroftheSun，whosecharmedcupWhoevertastedlosthisuprightshape，Anddownwardfellintoagrovellingswine？）
　　ThisNymph，thatgazeduponhisclusteringlocks，Withivyberrieswreathed，andhisblitheyouth，Hadbyhim，erehepartedthence，asonMuchlikehisfather，buthismothermore，Whomthereforeshebroughtup，andComusnamed：
　　Who，ripeandfrolicofhisfull—grownage，RovingtheCelticandIberianfields，Atlastbetakeshimtothisominouswood，And，inthickshelterofblackshadesimbowered，Excelshismotherathermightyart；
　　OfferingtoeverywearytravellerHisorientliquorinacrystalglass，ToquenchthedrouthofPhoebus；whichastheytaste（Formostdotastethroughfondintemperatethirst），Soonasthepotionworks，theirhumancount’nance，Theexpressresemblanceofthegods，ischangedIntosomebrutishformofwolforbear，Orounceortiger，hog，orbeardedgoat，Allotherpartsremainingastheywere。
　　Andthey，soperfectistheirmisery，Notonceperceivetheirfouldisfigurement，Butboastthemselvesmorecomelythanbefore，Andalltheirfriendsandnativehomeforget，Torollwithpleasureinasensualsty。
　　Therefore，whenanyfavouredofhighJoveChancestopassthroughthisadventurousglade，SwiftasthesparkleofaglancingstarIshootfromheaven，togivehimsafeconvoy，AsnowIdo。ButfirstImustputoffThesemysky—robes，spunoutofIris’woof，AndtaketheweedsandlikenessofaswainThattotheserviceofthishousebelongs，Who，withhissoftpipeandsmooth—dittiedsong，Wellknowstostillthewildwindswhentheyroar，Andhushthewavingwoods；noroflessfaithAndinthisofficeofhismountainwatchLikeliest，andnearesttothepresentaidOfthisoccasion。ButIhearthetreadOfhatefulsteps；Imustbeviewlessnow。
　　COMUSenters，withacharming—rodinonehand，hisglassintheother：withhimaroutofmonsters，headedlikesundrysortsofwildbeasts，butotherwiselikemenandwomen，theirapparelglistering。
　　Theycomeinmakingariotousandunrulynoise，withtorchesintheirhands。
　　COMUS。ThestarthatbidstheshepherdfoldNowthetopofheavendothhold；
　　AndthegildedcarofdayHisglowingaxledothallayInthesteepAtlanticstream；
　　AndtheslopesunhisupwardbeamShootsagainsttheduskypole，PacingtowardtheothergoalOfhischamberintheeast。
　　Meanwhile，welcomejoyandfeast，Midnightshoutandrevelry，Tipsydanceandjollity。
　　Braidyourlockswithrosytwine，Droppingodours，droppingwine。
　　Rigournowisgonetobed；
　　AndAdvicewithscrupuloushead，StrictAge，andsourSeverity，Withtheirgravesaws，inslumberlie。
　　We，thatareofpurerfire，Imitatethestarryquire，Who，intheirnightlywatchfulspheres，Leadinswiftroundthemonthsandyears。
　　Thesoundsandseas，withalltheirfinnydrove，Nowtothemooninwaveringmorricemove；
　　AndonthetawnysandsandshelvesTripthepertfairiesandthedapperelves。
　　Bydimpledbrookandfountain—brim，Thewood—nymphs，deckedwithdaisiestrim，Theirmerrywakesandpastimeskeep：
　　Whathathnighttodowithsleep？
　　Nighthathbettersweetstoprove；
　　Venusnowwakes，andwakensLove。
　　Come，letusourrightsbegin；
　　’Tisonlydaylightthatmakessin，Whichthesedunshadeswillne’erreport。
　　Hail，goddessofnocturnalsport，Dark—veiledCotytto，towhomthesecretflameOfmidnighttorchesburns！mysteriousdame，Thatne’erartcalledbutwhenthedragonwombOfStygiandarknessspetsherthickestgloom，Andmakesoneblotofalltheair！
　　Staythycloudyebonchair，WhereinthouridestwithHecat’，andbefriendUsthyvowedpriests，tillutmostendOfallthyduesbedone，andnoneleftout，Eretheblabbingeasternscout，TheniceMornontheIndiansteep，Fromhercabinedloop—holepeep，Andtothetell—taleSundescryOurconcealedsolemnity。
　　Come，knithands，andbeatthegroundInalightfantasticround。
　　TheMeasure。
　　Breakoff，breakoff！IfeelthedifferentpaceOfsomechastefootingnearaboutthisground。
　　Runtoyourshroudswithinthesebrakesandtrees；
　　Ournumbermayaffright。Somevirginsure（ForsoIcandistinguishbymineart）
　　Benightedinthesewoods！Nowtomycharms，Andtomywilytrains：IshallerelongBewellstockedwithasfairaherdasgrazedAboutmymotherCirce。ThusIhurlMydazzlingspellsintothespongyair，Ofpowertocheattheeyewithblearillusion，Andgiveitfalsepresentments，lesttheplaceAndmyquainthabitsbreedastonishment，Andputthedamseltosuspiciousflight；
　　Whichmustnotbe，forthat’sagainstmycourse。
　　I，underfairpretenceoffriendlyends，Andwell—placedwordsofglozingcourtesy，Baitedwithreasonsnotunplausible，Windmeintotheeasy—heartedman，Andhughimintosnares。WhenoncehereyeHathmetthevirtueofthismagicdust，IshallappearsomeharmlessvillagerWhomthriftkeepsupabouthiscountrygear。
　　Buthereshecomes；Ifairlystepaside，Andhearken，ifImayherbusinesshear。
　　TheLADYenters。
　　LADY。Thiswaythenoisewas，ifmineearbetrue，Mybestguidenow。MethoughtitwasthesoundOfriotandill—managedmerriment，SuchasthejocundfluteorgamesomepipeStirsupamongthelooseunletteredhinds，When，fortheirteemingflocksandgrangesfull，InwantondancetheypraisethebounteousPan，Andthankthegodsamiss。IshouldbelothTomeettherudenessandswilledinsolenceOfsuchlatewassailers；yet，oh！whereelseShallIinformmyunacquaintedfeetIntheblindmazesofthistangledwood？
　　Mybrothers，whentheysawmeweariedoutWiththislongway，resolvingheretolodgeUnderthespreadingfavourofthesepines，Stepped，astheysaid，tothenextthicket—sideTobringmeberries，orsuchcoolingfruitAsthekindhospitablewoodsprovide。
　　Theyleftmethenwhenthegrey—hoodedEven，Likeasadvotaristinpalmer’sweed，RosefromthehindmostwheelsofPhoebus’wain。
　　Butwheretheyare，andwhytheycamenotback，Isnowthelabourofmythoughts。TTislikeliestTheyhadengagedtheirwanderingstepstoofar；
　　Andenviousdarkness，eretheycouldreturn，Hadstolethemfromme。Else，OthievishNight，Whyshouldstthou，butforsomefeloniousend，InthydarklanternthuscloseupthestarsThatNaturehunginheaven，andfilledtheirlampsWitheverlastingoiltogiveduelightTothemisledandlonelytraveller？
　　Thisistheplace，aswellasImayguess，WhenceevennowthetumultofloudmirthWasrife，andperfectinmylisteningear；
　　YetnoughtbutsingledarknessdoIfind。
　　Whatmightthisbe？AthousandfantasiesBegintothrongintomymemory，Ofcallingshapes，andbeckoningshadowsdire，Andairytonguesthatsyllablemen’snamesOnsandsandshoresanddesertwildernesses。
　　Thesethoughtsmaystartlewell，butnotastoundThevirtuousmind，thateverwalksattendedByastrongsidingchampion，Conscience。
　　O，welcome，pure—eyedFaith，white—handedHope，Thouhoveringangelgirtwithgoldenwings，AndthouunblemishedformofChastity！
　　Iseeyevisibly，andnowbelieveThatHe，theSupremeGood，towhomallthingsillArebutasslavishofficersofvengeance，Wouldsendaglisteringguardian，ifneedwere，Tokeepmylifeandhonourunassailed……
　　WasIdeceived，ordidasablecloudTurnforthhersilverliningonthenight？
　　Ididnoterr：theredoesasablecloudTurnforthhersilverliningonthenight，Andcastsagleamoverthistuftedgrove。
　　Icannothallotomybrothers，butSuchnoiseasIcanmaketobeheardfarthestI’llventure；formynew—enlivenedspiritsPromptme，andtheyperhapsarenotfaroff。
　　Song。
　　SweetEcho，sweetestnymph，thatliv’stunseenWithinthyairyshellByslowMeander’smargentgreen，Andintheviolet—embroideredvaleWherethelove—lornnightingaleNightlytotheehersadsongmournethwell：
　　CanstthounottellmeofagentlepairThatlikestthyNarcissusare？
　　O，ifthouhaveHidtheminsomeflowerycave，Tellmebutwhere，SweetQueenofParley，DaughteroftheSphere！
　　Somay’stthoubetranslatedtotheskies，AndgiveresoundinggracetoallHeaven’sharmonies！
　　COMUS。CananymortalmixtureofearthUsmouldBreathesuchdivineenchantingravishment？
　　Suresomethingholylodgesinthatbreast，AndwiththeserapturesmovesthevocalairTotestifyhishiddenresidence。
　　HowsweetlydidtheyfloatuponthewingsOfsilence，throughtheempty—vaultednight，AteveryfallsmoothingtheravendownOfdarknesstillitsmiled！IhaveoftheardMymotherCircewiththeSirensthree，Amidsttheflowery—kirtledNaiades，Cullingtheirpotentherbsandbalefuldrugs，Who，astheysung，wouldtaketheprisonedsoul，AndlapitinElysium：Scyllawept，Andchidherbarkingwavesintoattention，AndfellCharybdismurmuredsoftapplause。
　　Yettheyinpleasingslumberlulledthesense，Andinsweetmadnessrobbeditofitself；
　　Butsuchasacredandhome—feltdelight，Suchsobercertaintyofwakingbliss，Ineverheardtillnow。I’llspeaktoher，Andsheshallbemyqueen。QHail，foreignwonder！
　　Whomcertaintheseroughshadesdidneverbreed，UnlessthegoddessthatinruralshrineDwell’stherewithPanorSylvan，byblestsongForbiddingeverybleakunkindlyfogTotouchtheprosperousgrowthofthistallwood。
　　LADY。Nay，gentleshepherd，illislostthatpraiseThatisaddressedtounattendingears。
　　Notanyboastofskill，butextremeshiftHowtoregainmyseveredcompany，CompelledmetoawakethecourteousEchoTogivemeanswerfromhermossycouch。
　　COMUS：Whatchance，goodlady，hathbereftyouthus？
　　LADY。Dimdarknessandthisleafylabyrinth。
　　COMUS。Couldthatdivideyoufromnear—usheringguides？
　　LADY。Theyleftmewearyonagrassyturf。
　　COMUS。Byfalsehood，ordiscourtesy，orwhy？
　　LADY。Toseeki’thevalleysomecoolfriendlyspring。
　　COMUS。Andleftyourfairsideallunguarded，Lady？
　　LADY。Theywerebuttwain，andpurposedquickreturn。
　　COMUS。Perhapsforestallingnightpreventedthem。
　　LADY。Howeasymymisfortuneistohit！
　　COMUS。Importstheirloss，besidethepresentneed？
　　LADY。NolessthanifIshouldmybrotherslose。
　　COMUS。Weretheyofmanlyprime，oryouthfulbloom？
　　LADY。AssmoothasHebe’stheirunrazoredlips。
　　COMUS。TwosuchIsaw，whattimethelabouredoxInhisloosetracesfromthefurrowcame，Andtheswinkedhedgerathissuppersat。
　　Isawthemunderagreenmantlingvine，Thatcrawlsalongthesideofyonsmallhill，Pluckingripeclustersfromthetendershoots；
　　Theirportwasmorethanhuman，astheystood。
　　ItookitforafaeryvisionOfsomegaycreaturesoftheelement，Thatinthecoloursoftherainbowlive，Andplayi’theplightedclouds。Iwasawe—strook，And，asIpassed，Iworshiped。Ifthoseyouseek，ItwereajourneylikethepathtoHeavenTohelpyoufindthem。
　　LADY。Gentlevillager，Whatreadiestwaywouldbringmetothatplace？
　　COMUS。Duewestitrisesfromthisshrubbypoint。
　　LADY。Tofindoutthat，goodshepherd，Isuppose，Insuchascantallowanceofstar—light，Wouldovertaskthebestland—pilot’sart，Withoutthesureguessofwell—practisedfeet。
　　COMUS。Iknoweachlane，andeveryalleygreen，Dingle，orbushydell，ofthiswildwood，Andeveryboskybournfromsidetoside，Mydailywalksandancientneighbourhood；
　　And，ifyourstrayattendancebeyetlodged，Orshroudwithintheselimits，IshallknowEremorrowwake，orthelow—roostedlarkFromherthatchedpalletrouse。Ifotherwise，Icanconductyou，Lady，toalowButloyalcottage，whereyoumaybesafeTillfurtherquest。
　　LADY。Shepherd，Itakethyword，Andtrustthyhonest—offeredcourtesy，Whichoftissoonerfoundinlowlysheds，Withsmokyrafters，thanintapestryhallsAndcourtsofprinces，whereitfirstwasnamed，Andyetismostpretended。InaplaceLesswarrantedthanthis，orlesssecure，Icannotbe，thatIshouldfeartochangeit。
　　Eyeme，blestProvidence，andsquaremytrialTomyproportionedstrength！Shepherd，leadon。
　　TheTWOBROTHERS。
　　ELD。BRO。Unmuffle，yefaintstars；andthou，fairmoon，Thatwont’sttolovethetraveller’sbenison，Stoopthypalevisagethroughanambercloud，AnddisinheritChaos，thatreignshereIndoublenightofdarknessandofshades；
　　Or，ifyourinfluencebequitedammedupWithblackusurpingmists，somegentletaper，Thougharush—candlefromthewickerholeOfsomeclayhabitation，visitusWiththylonglevelledruleofstreaminglight，AndthoushaltbeourstarofArcady，OrTyrianCynosure。
　　SEC。BRO。Or，ifoureyesBebarredthathappiness，mightwebuthearThefoldedflocks，pennedintheirwattledcotes，Orsoundofpastoralreedwithoatenstops，Orwhistlefromthelodge，orvillagecockCountthenight—watchestohisfeatherydames，’Twouldbesomesolaceyet，somelittlecheering，Inthisclosedungeonofinnumerousboughs。
　　But，oh，thathaplessvirgin，ourlostsister！
　　Wheremayshewandernow，whitherbetakeherFromthechilldew，amongstrudebursandthistlesPerhapssomecoldbankisherbolsternow，Or’gainsttheruggedbarkofsomebroadelmLeansherunpillowedhead，fraughtwithsadfears。
　　Whatifinwildamazementandaffright，Or，whilewespeak，withinthedirefulgraspOfsavagehunger，orofsavageheat！
　　ELD。BRO。Peace，brother：benotover—exquisiteTocastthefashionofuncertainevils；
　　For，granttheybeso，whiletheyrestunknown，Whatneedamanforestallhisdateofgrief，Andruntomeetwhathewouldmostavoid？
　　Or，iftheybebutfalsealarmsoffear，Howbitterissuchself—delusion！
　　Idonotthinkmysistersotoseek，Orsounprincipledinvirtue’sbook，Andthesweetpeacethatgoodnessbosomsever，Asthatthesinglewantoflightandnoise（Notbeingindanger，asItrustsheisnot）
　　Couldstirtheconstantmoodofhercalmthoughts，Andputthemintomisbecomingplight。
　　VirtuecouldseetodowhatVirtuewouldByherownradiantlight，thoughsunandmoonWereintheflatseasunk。AndWisdom’sselfOftseekstosweetretiredsolitude，Where，withherbestnurse，Contemplation，Sheplumesherfeathers，andletsgrowherwings，That，inthevariousbustleofresort，Wereallto—ruffled，andsometimesimpaired。
　　HethathaslightwithinhisownclearbreastMaysiti’thecentre，andenjoybrightday：
　　ButhethathidesadarksoulandfoulthoughtsBenightedwalksunderthemid—daysun；
　　Himselfishisowndungeon。
　　SEC。BRO。’TismosttrueThatmusingmeditationmostaffectsThepensivesecrecyofdesertcell，Farfromthecheerfulhauntofmenandherds，AndsitsassafeasinasenatehouseForwhowouldrobahermitofhisweeds，Hisfewbooks，orhisbeads，ormapledish，Ordohisgreyhairsanyviolence？
　　ButBeauty，likethefairHesperiantreeLadenwithbloominggold，hadneedtheguardOfdragon—watchwithunenchantedeyeTosaveherblossoms，anddefendherfruit，FromtherashhandofboldIncontinence。
　　YoumayaswellspreadouttheunsunnedheapsOfmiser’streasurebyanoutlaw’sden，Andtellmeitissafe，asbidmehopeDangerwillwinkonOpportunity，AndletasinglehelplessmaidenpassUninjuredinthiswildsurroundingwaste。
　　Ofnightorlonelinessitrecksmenot；
　　Ifearthedreadeventsthatdogthemboth，Lestsomeill—greetingtouchattemptthepersonOfourunownedsister。
　　ELD。BRO。Idonot，brother，InferasifIthoughtmysister’sstateSecurewithoutalldoubtorcontroversy；
　　Yet，whereanequalpoiseofhopeandfearDoesarbitratetheevent，mynatureisThatIinclinetohoperatherthanfear，Andgladlybanishsquintsuspicion。
　　MysisterisnotsodefencelessleftAsyouimagine；shehasahiddenstrength，Whichyouremembernot。
　　SEC。BRO……Whathiddenstrength，UnlessthestrengthofHeaven，ifyoumeanthat？
　　ELD。BRO。Imeanthattoo，butyetahiddenstrength，Which，ifHeavengaveit，maybetermedherown。
　　’Tischastity，mybrother，chastity：
　　Shethathasthatiscladincompletesteel，And，likeaquiverednymphwitharrowskeen，Maytracehugeforests，andunharbouredheaths，Infamoushills，andsandyperilouswilds；
　　Where，throughthesacredraysofchastity，Nosavagefierce，bandite，ormountaineer，Willdaretosoilhervirginpurity。
　　Yea，therewhereverydesolationdwells，Bygrotsandcavernsshaggedwithhorridshades，Shemaypassonwithunblenchedmajesty，Beitnotdoneinpride，orinpresumption。
　　Somesaynoevilthingthatwalksbynight，Infogorfire，bylakeormoorishfen，Bluemeagrehag，orstubbornunlaidghost，Thatbreakshismagicchainsatcurfewtime，Nogoblinorswartfaeryofthemine，Hathhurtfulpowero’ertruevirginity。
　　Doyebelievemeyet，orshallIcallAntiquityfromtheoldschoolsofGreeceTotestifythearmsofchastity？
　　HencehadthehuntressDianherdreadbowFairsilver—shaftedqueenforeverchaste，WherewithshetamedthebrindedlionessAndspottedmountain—pard，butsetatnoughtThefrivolousboltofCupid；godsandmenFearedhersternfrown，andshewasqueeno’thewoods。
　　Whatwasthatsnaky—headedGorgonshieldThatwiseMinervawore，unconqueredvirgin，Wherewithshefreezedherfoestocongealedstone，Butrigidlooksofchasteausterity，AndnoblegracethatdashedbruteviolenceWithsuddenadorationandblankawe？
　　SodeartoHeavenissaintlychastityThat，whenasoulisfoundsincerelyso，Athousandliveriedangelslackeyher，Drivingfaroffeachthingofsinandguilt，AndincleardreamandsolemnvisionTellherofthingsthatnogrossearcanhear；
　　TilloftconversewithheavenlyhabitantsBegintocastabeamontheoutwardshape，Theunpollutedtempleofthemind，Andturnsitbydegreestothesoul’sessence，Tillallbemadeimmortal。But，whenlust，Byunchastelooks，loosegestures，andfoultalk，Butmostbylewdandlavishactofsin，Letsilldefilementtotheinwardparts，Thesoulgrowsclottedbycontagion，Imbodies，andimbrutes，tillshequitelooseThedivinepropertyofherfirstbeing。
　　SucharethosethickandgloomyshadowsdampOftseenincharnel—vaultsandsepulchres，Lingeringandsittingbyanew—madegrave，Aslothtoleavethebodythatitloved，AndlinkeditselfbycarnalsensualtyToadegenerateanddegradedstate。
　　SEC。BRO。HowcharmingisdivinePhilosophy！
　　Notharshandcrabbed，asdullfoolssuppose，ButmusicalasisApollo’slute，Andaperpetualfeastofnectaredsweets，Wherenocrudesurfeitreigns。
　　Eld。Bro。List！
　　list！IhearSomefar—offhallobreakthesilentair。
　　SEC。BRO。Methoughtsotoo；whatshoulditbe？
　　ELD。BRO。Forcertain。