[Re-enter Aratea, shorn of her locks, which she lays at Aristocles' feet. Her veil is draped about her, concealing her loss]

O! Maimed, my goddess?

Ara. See?

I knew you'd say me nay. But now 'tis done.

Aris. Those locks of Venus' gold.

Ara. The dagger served.

Aris. Too well!

Ara. [Weaving the locks] Not so. Now, now a rope to bridge

Eternity for thee! More strands! Lend me

Your lightnings, blessed skies, to weave this chain!