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, [Villeroy and his Friends seat themselves. EPITHALAMIUM. Woman. AIR. Let all, let all be gay, Let mirth, let mirth and joy, 1 Man. Ye love-wing'd hours, your flight, 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! Who would not lose himself?-You'll pardon me- 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, "I cannot speak my bliss! 'Tis in my head, Enter ISABELLA. My Isabella! Oh, the joy of my heart, That I have leave at last to call you mine! 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; 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; DUETTO. Oh, the raptures of possessing, 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, 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. |