With clever art Narcissus now played a new tune, ingeniously combining the themes of both the preceding airs. He sang: “No words float on the crystal air, but words are heard by both. The shepherd gazes towards the brook, the maiden towards the pure white flock. O happy flying thoughts!”
Now the reed-player softly breathed upon the pipes, which whispered a motive of joy. Then he sang these words: “The shepherd leaves his peaceful flock, the maiden the transparent brook. On their pure lips no words come forth, the time is used for kisses only. O happy shepherd! O happy maid!”
With a flourish of notes Narcissus finished the picture.
Elea, who was seated near Sulpicius, with her face partially buried in the roses, listened to this modest song of love. Sulpicius threw his arm around her and drew her near him. Slightly pressing the flowers so that they partially hid her pretty face, he kissed her lips between the roses. Neither could Sabinus resist the tempting lips of Merope.
Narcissus, feeling solitary, inquired, “Will my fingers be kissed with money, O happy youths?”
“Ay,” said Sulpicius, smiling. “Dost thou prefer a copper kiss or one of silver?”
“One of silver would be more gentle. ’Tis many a day since I have known that touch.”
“So be it. Here is thy reward.”
Narcissus played a new air and then sang: “Drink life, O happy souls! as the flowers drink of dew. Drink of the waters that carry odors of deep woods. Be as cheerful as the daisy, whose glorious centre is bordered by pure white foliage. Be as gentle as the little myosotis, in whose blossoms hides the color of heaven. Be like the pure lily, perfumed snow, O happy souls! Let thy thoughts be like the brook flowing among lotus and iris, ferns and waterlilies, kissing the shadowy bank of forgetfulness, O happy youths! Be—”
“Hold!” cried Sulpicius. “We have been well entertained for our money. Now leave us. Look ye! Psyche and Gyges enter.”