The Two Lovers of Heaven: Chrysanthus and Daria

A WOOD NEAR ANTIOCH.

Enter CYPPRIAN in a Student’s gown, followed by CLARIN and MOSCON, as poor Scholars, carrying books.

CYPRIAN. In the pleasant solitude Of this tranquil spot, this thicket Formed of interlacing boughs, Buds, and flowers, and shrubs commingled, You may leave me, leaving also, As my best companions, with me, (For I need none else) those books Which I bad you to bring hither From the house; for while, to-day, Antioch, the mighty city, Celebrates with such rejoicing The great temple newly finished Unto Jupiter, the bearing Thither, also, of his image Publicly, in grant procession, To its shrine to be uplifted;— I, escaping the confusion Of the streets and squares, have flitted Hitherward, to spend in study What of daylight yet may glimmer. Go, enjoy the festival, Go to Antioch and mingle In its various sports, returning When the sun descending sinketh To be buried in the waves, Which, beneath the dark clouds’ fringes, Round the royal corse of gold, Shine like sepulchres of silver. Here you’ll find me.