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。