ter CERES._

_Cer._ Hail, many-color'd messenger, that ne'er
Dost disobey the wife of Jupiter;[438-19]
Who, with thy saffron wings, upon my flowers
Diffusest honey-drops, refreshing showers;
And with each end of thy blue bow dost crown
My bosky[440-20] acres and my unshrubb'd down,[440-21]
Rich scarf to my proud Earth;--why hath thy Queen
Summon'd me hither, to this short-grass'd green?

[Illustration: CERES ENTERS, AT IRIS' CALL]

_Iris._ A contract of true love to celebrate;
And some donation freely to estate
On the bless'd lovers.

_Cer._ Tell me, heavenly Bow,
If Venus[440-22] or her son, as thou dost know,
Do now attend the Queen? Since they did plot
The means that dusky Dis[440-23] my daughter got,[440-24]
Her and her blind boy's[440-25] scandal'd company
I have forsworn.

_Iris._ Of her society
Be not afraid: I met her deity
Cutting the clouds towards Paphos,[440-26] and her son
Dove-drawn with her.

_Cer._ Here, Queen of highest state,
Great Juno comes; I know her by her gait.[440-27]

_Enter JUNO._[440-28]

_Juno._ How does my bounteous sister? Go with me
To bless this twain, that they may prosperous be,
And honour'd in their issue.

SONG.

Juno. _Honour, riches, marriage-blessing,
Long continuance, and increasing,
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Juno sings her blessings on you._

Cer. _Earth's increase, and foison plenty,[441-29]
Barns and garners never empty;
Vines with clustering bunches growing;
Plants with goodly burden bowing;
Spring come to you at the farthest
In the very end of harvest![441-30]
Scarcity and want shall shun you;
Ceres' blessing so is on you._

_Ferd._ This is a most majestic vision, and
Harmonious charmingly. May I be bold
To think these spirits?[441-31]

_Pros._ Spirits, which by mine art
I have from their confines call'd to enact
My present fancies.

_Ferd._ Let me live here ever;
So rare a wonder'd[442-32] father and a wife
Make this place Paradise. [_JUNO and CERES whisper,
and send IRIS on employment._

_Pros._ Sweet, now, silence!
Juno and Ceres whisper seriously;
There's someth