BEN. JONSON.
This Dialogue newly added, was spoken by way of Prologue to both their
Majesties, at the first acting of this Pastoral at Somerset-house on
Twelfth-night, 1633.
Priest.
A broiling Lamb on Pans chief Altar lies,
My Wreath, my Censor, Virge, and Incense by:
But I delayed the pretious Sacrifice,
To shew thee here, a Gentle Deity.
Nymph.
Nor was I to thy sacred Summons slow,
Hither I came as swift as th' Eagles wing,
Or threatning shaft from vext Dianaes bow,
To see this Islands God; the worlds best King.
Priest.
Bless then that Queen, that doth his eyes invite And ears, t'obey her Scepter, half this night.
Nymph.
_Let's sing such welcomes, as shall make Her sway Seem easie to Him, though it last till day.
Welcom as Peace t'unwalled Cities, when
Famine and Sword leave them more graves than men.
As Spring to Birds, or Noon-dayes Sun to th' old
Poor mountain Muscovite congeal'd with cold.
As Shore toth' Pilot in a safe known Coast
When's Card is broken and his Rudder lost.