HESPERUS

Hesperus. The Fu ning star foreshews that the wished marriage night hand, and for that cause is supposed to be the friend of Bridegrooms, and Brides. Hail reverend angry Night, hail Queen of Flowers, Mild spirited Zephyrus hail, Silvans and Hours. Hesperus brings peace, cease then your needless jars Here in this little firmament of stars. Cynthia is now by Phœbus pacified, And well content her Nymph is made a Bride Since the fair match was by that Phœbus graced Which in this happy Western I'll is placed As he in heaven, one lamp enlightening all That under his benign aspect does fallen Deep Oracles he speaks, and he alone For arts and wisdoms meet for Phœbus throne. The Nymph is honoured, and Diana pleased: Night be you then, and your black hours appeased And friendly listen what your Queen by me Farther commands, let this my credence be, View it, and know it for the highest gem, That hung on her imperial Diadem. YOur Sovereign from ̄ the virtuous gem she sends us. Bids you take power to retransforme the friends Of Phœbus, metamorhpos'd here to trees, And give them straight the shapes which they did lose. KNights of Apollo proud of your new birth, Pursue your triumphs still with joy and mirth, Your changed Fortune's, and redeemed estate Hesperus to your Sovereign will relate, T'is now high time he were far hence retired, Th'ould Bridal friend, that ushers Night desired Through the dim evening shades, then taking flight Gives place and honour to the nuptial Night. I that wished evening star must now make way To Hymen's rights much wronged by my delay. But on Nights princely state you ought t'attend, And t'honour your new reconciled Friend.