Vesper is here, O youths, rise all; for Vesper OlympusScales and in fine enfires what lights so long were expected!Time 'tis now to arise, now leave we tables rich laden,Now shall the Virgin come; now chaunt we the Hymenaeus.Hymen O Hymenaeus: Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!

DamselsView ye the Youths, O Maids unwed? Then rise to withstand them:Doubtless the night-fraught Star displays his splendour Oetean.Sooth 'tis so; d'ye sight how Speedily sprang they to warfare?Nor for a naught up-sprang: they'll Sing what need we to conquer.Hymen O Hymenaeus: Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!

YouthsNowise easy the palm for us (Companions!) be proffer'd,Lo! now the maidens muse and meditate matter of forethoughtNor meditate they in vain; they muse a humorous something.Yet naught wonder it is, their sprites be wholly in labour.We bear divided thought one way and hearing in other:Vanquish't by right we must be, since Victory loveth the heedful.Therefore at least d'ye turn your minds the task to consider,Soon shall begin their say whose countersay shall befit you.Hymen O Hymenaeus: Hymen here, O Hymenaeus!

DamselsHesperus! say what flame more cruel in Heaven be fanned?