[237] Ed. 1631 “returnes.”
ACT III.
SCENE I.
Venice.—Outside Lady Lentulus’ house.
Claridiana and Rogero, being in a readiness, are received in at one another’s houses by their Maids.
Then enter Mendoza, with a Page, to the Lady Lentulus’ window.
Men. Night, like a solemn mourner, frowns on earth,
Envying that day should force her doff her robes,
Or Phœbus chase away her melancholy.
Heaven’s eyes look faintly through her sable masque,
And silver Cynthia hides[238] her in her sphere,
Scorning to grace black Night’s solemnity.
Be unpropitious, Night, to villain thoughts,
But let thy diamonds shine on virtuous love.
This is the lower house of high-built heaven, 9
Where my chaste Phœbe sits inthroned ’mong thoughts
So purely good, brings her to heaven on earth.
Such power hath souls in contemplation!
Sing, boy (though night yet), like the morning’s lark—
[Music plays.
A soul that’s clear is light, though heaven be dark.