At the sight of friends Psyche and Gyges, who had been depressed when they entered the garden, grew more cheerful.
“Hail, Sulpicius and Sabinus! Hail to thee, Merope, and thee, Elea!” said Gyges. “Whence these fair flowers?”
“The violets are the eyes of Merope,” said Sabinus.
“The roses are the lips of Elea,” added Sulpicius.
“Our minds have been fed on the words of a poet, O Psyche,” said Merope, laughing.
“’Tis sweet food for the mind, O Merope. What a beautiful evening draws near!” said Psyche.
“Ay; the sky is cloudless,” replied Merope.
“How clear are yonder Alban Mountains!” said Gyges.
“Ay; like a crown, with the villas sparkling among the trees like jewels,” said Sulpicius.
“Sit ye down and drink a cup of wine,” invited Sabinus.