Hark! hark! now rise infernal tones,
The deep-fetch’d groans
Of labouring spirits that attend
Erictho.
[within.
Now crack the trembling earth, and send
Shrieks that portend
Affrightment to the gods which hear
Erictho.
Erictho!
[within.
A treble viol, a base lute, &c., play softly within the canopy.
Hark! hark! now softer melody strikes mute
Disquiet Nature. O thou power of sound,
How thou dost melt me! Hark! now even heaven
Gives up his soul amongst us. Now’s the time
When greedy expectation strains mine eyes
For their loved object; now Erictho will’d
Prepare my appetite for love’s strict gripes.
O you dear founts of pleasure, blood, and beauty,
Raise active Venus worth fruition 210
Of such provoking sweetness. Hark, she comes!
A short song to soft music above.
Now nuptial hymns enforcèd spirits sing.
Hark, Syphax, hark! Now hell and heaven rings.