Vertumnus and Palemon, and the divinities who attend them, join their voices to that of Flora, and sing the following words.—
Chorus of Divinities of the earth and streams, composed of Flora, Nymphs, Palemon, Vertumnus, Sylvans, Fauns, Dryads, and Naiads.
A peace profound we now enjoy,
And games and bliss without alloy;
Earth's mightiest king has giv'n us rest;
To him be praise and thanks addrest.
Descend thou, lovely Venus,
And happy hours grant us!
Then is formed an entry of the ballet, composed of two Dryads, four Sylvans, two River Gods, and two Naiads, after which Vertumnus and Palemon sing the following dialogue:—
Vertumnus.
Yield, yield, ye beauties stern,
To sigh 'tis now your turn!
Palemon.
See you, the queen above,
She comes to breathe soft love!
Vertumnus.
A fair one stern for aye
Ne'er wins a faithful sigh!
Palemon.
To woo has beauty arms,
But gentleness has greater charms.
Both (together).
To woo has beauty arms;
But gentleness has greater charms.
Vertumnus.
Seek not your hearts to shield;
To pine is law, and ye must yield.