Strike

up the strain to Villeroy's happiness,

To Isabella's-But he's here already.

Enter VILLEROY.

Vil. My friends, let me embrace you :

Welcome all

What means this preparation?

1 Fr. A slight token

[Seeing the Music.

Of our best wishes for your growing happiness

You must permit our friendship

Vil. You oblige me—

1 Fr. But your lovely bride,

That wonder of her sex, she must appear,
And add new brightness to this happy morning.
Vil. She is not yet prepar'd; and let her will,
My worthiest friend, determine her behaviour;
To win, and not to force her disposition,
Has been my seven year's task. She will anon
Speak welcome to you all. The music stays.

[Villeroy and his Friends seat themselves.

EPITHALAMIUM.

Woman.

AIR.

Let all, let all be gay,
Begin the rapt'rous lay;

Let mirth, let mirth and joy,
Each happy hour employ
Of this fair bridal day.

1

Man.

Ye love-wing'd hours, your flight,
Your downy flight prepare,
Bring ev'ry soft delight

To sooth the brave and fair.

Hail, happy pair, thus in each other blest;

Be ever free from care, of ev'ry joy possess❜d!
Vil. I thank you for the proof of your affection:
I am so much transported with the thoughts
Of what I am, I know not what I do.
My Isabella!-but possessing her,

Who would not lose himself?-You'll pardon me-
Oh! there was nothing wanting to my soul,
But the kind wishes of my loving friends—
"But our collation waits;" where's Carlos now?
Methinks I am but half myself without him.

2 Fr. This is wonderful! Married a night and a day, and yet in raptures.

Vil. Oh when you all get wives, and such as mine, (If such another woman can be found)

You will rave too, dote on the dear content,
And prattle in their praise out of all bounds.

"I cannot speak my bliss! 'Tis in my head,
"Tis in my heart, and takes up all my soul-
"The labour of my fancy. You'll pardon me;
"About some twelve months hence I may begin
"To speak plain sense- -Walk in and honour me.

Enter ISABELLA.

My Isabella! Oh, the joy of my heart,

That I have leave at last to call you mine!
"When I give up that title to the charms
"Of any other wish, be nothing mine :"
But let me look upon you, view you well.
This is a welcome gallantry indeed!
I durst not ask, but it was kind to grant,
Just at this time: dispensing with your dress
Upon this second day to greet our friends.
Isa. Black might be ominous;

I would not bring ill luck along with me.

Vil. Oh! if your melancholy thoughts could change With shifting of your dress-Time has done cures Incredible this way, and may again.

Isa. I could have wish'd, if you had thought it fit, Our marriage had not been so public.

Vil. Do not you grudge me my excess of love; That was a cause it could not be conceal'd:

Besides, 'twould injure the opinion

I have of my good fortune, having you;
And lessen it in other peoples' thoughts,
"Busy on such occasions to enquire,
"Had it been private.”

Isa. I have no more to say.

Enter CARLOS.

Vil. My Carlos too, who came in to the support Of our bad fortune, has an honest right,

In better times, to share the good with us.

Car. I come to claim that right, to share your joy;

To wish you joy; and find it in myself;

"For a friend's happiness reflects a warmth,

"A kindly comfort, into every heart

"That is not envious.

Vil." He must be a friend,

"Who is not envious of a happiness "So absolute as mine; but if you are

"(As I have reason to believe you are)

"Concern'd for my well-being, there's the cause; "Thank her for what I am, and what must be."

I see you mean a second entertainment.

My dearest Isabella, you must hear

[Music flourish.

The raptures of my friends; from thee they spring; Thy virtues have diffus'd themselves around,

And made them all as happy as myself.

Isa. I feel their favours with a grateful heart, And willingly comply.

Man.

RECITATIVE.

Take the gifts the gods intend ye;
Grateful meet the proffer'd joy :
Truth and honour shall attend ye;
Charms that ne'er can change or cloy.

DUETTO.

Oh, the raptures of possessing,
Taking beauty to thy arms!

Woman. Oh the joy, the lasting blessing,

When with virtue beauty charms!

Man.

Purer flames shall gently warm ye;

Woman. Love and honour both shall charm thee.

Both. Oh the raptures of, &c. &c.

CHORUS.

Far from hence be care and strife,
Far the pang that tortures life :
May the circling minutes prove
One sweet round of peace and love!

Car. 'Tis fine, indeed!

You'll take my advice another time, sister.

Vil. What have you done? A rising smile

Stole from her thoughts, just red'ning on her cheek, And you have dash'd it.

Car. I'm sorry for't.

Vil. My friends, you will forgive me, when I own, I must prefer her peace to all the world.

Come, Isabella, let us lead the way:

Within we'll speak our welcome to our friends,

And crown the happy festival with joy.

SCENE III.

[Exeunt.

A Room. Enter SAMPSON and Nurse. Samp. Ay, marry, nurse, here's a master indeed! He'll double our wages for us! If he comes on as fast with my lady, as he does with his servants, we are all in the way to be well pleased.