With all his trophies hung, and acts inroll'd
In copious legend, or sweet lyric song.
Thither shall all the valiant youth resort,
And from his memory inflame their breasts.
To matchless valour and adventures high:
The virgins also shall on feastful days
Visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailing
His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice,
From whence captivity and loss of eyes.
Chor. All is best, though we oft doubt,
What th' unsearchable dispose
Of highest wisdom brings about,
And ever best found in the close.
Oft he seems to hide his face,
But unexpectedly returns,

And to his faithful champion hath in place
Bore witness gloriously; whence Gaza mourns
And all that band them to resist

His uncontrollable intent:

His servants he, with new acquist

Of true experience from this great event,
With peace and consolation hath dismiss'd,
And calm of mind, all passion spent.

1740

1750

1760

THE PERSONS.

THE ATTENDANT SPIRIT, afterwards in the habit of THYRSIS.

COMUS with his crew.

THE LADY.

FIRST BROTHER.

SECOND BROTHER.

SABRINA the Nymph,

The chief persons who presented were

THE LORD BRACKLEY.

MR. THOMAS EGERTON, his brother.

THE LADY ALICE EGERTON.

EFORE the starry threshold of Jove's

court

My mansion is, where those immortal shapes

Of bright aerial spirits live inspher'd

In regions mild of calm and serene air,

Above the smoke and stir of this dim spot,

Which men call Earth, and with low-thoughted care
Confin'd, and pester'd in this pinfold here,
Strive to keep up a frail and feverish being,
Unmindful of the crown that virtue gives,
After this mortal change, to her true servants,
Amongst the enthron'd Gods on sainted seats.
Yet some there be that by due steps aspire
To lay their just hands on that golden key,
That opes the palace of eternity;
To such my errand is; and but for such,

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