The first Scene discovers a wild wood.-The ATTENDANT SPIRIT descends or enters. BEFORE the starry threshold of Jove's court In regions mild of calm and serene air, Which men call Earth; and, with low-thoughted care To such my errand is; and, but for such, But to my task. Neptune, besides the sway By course commits to several government, And gives them leave to wear their sapphire crowns, The greatest and the best of all the main, He quarters to his blue-haired deities; Has in his charge, with tempered awe to guide Whom therefore she brought up, and Comus named ; Roving the Celtic and Iberian fields, At last betakes him to this ominous wood; And in thick shelter of black shades imbowered Excels his mother at her mighty art, Offering to every weary traveller His orient liquor in a crystal glass, To quench the drought of Phoebus; which as they taste (For most do taste through fond intemperate thirst), Soon as the potion works, their human countenance, 30 40 50 60 |