Page 1101 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

CERES

Tell me, heavenly bow,
If Venus or her son, as thou dost know,
Do now attend the queen? Since they did plot

The means that dusky Dis my daughter got,
Her and her blind boy’s scandal’d company [90]
I have forsworn.

IRIS
Of her society
Be not afraid: I met her deity

Cutting the clouds towards Paphos, and her son
Dove-drawn with her. Here thought they to have done
Some wanton charm upon this man and maid, [95]
Whose vows are, that no bed-right shall be paid

Till Hymen’s torch be lighted; but in vain;
Mars’s hot minion is return’d again;
Her waspish-headed son has broke his arrows,
Swears he will shoot no more, but play with sparrows, [100]

And be a boy right out.

CERES

Highest queen of state,
Great Juno comes; I know her by her gait.

JUNO
How does my bounteous sister? Go with me
To bless this twain, that they may prosperous be,

And honour’d in their issue. [105]
They sing:
Honour, riches, marriage-blessing,
Long continuance, and increasing,

Hourly joys be still upon you!
Juno sings her blessings on you.

CERES
Earth’s increase, foison plenty, [110]
Barns and garners never empty;