_ What brought thee, wretch, to this despair?
The cause of thy misfortune show.
_Aug._ It seems the gods take little care
Of human things below,
When even our sufferings here they do not know.
_Merc._ Not unknowing came I down,
Disloyal town!
Speak! didst not thou
Forsake thy faith, and break thy nuptial vow?
_Aug._ Ah, 'tis too true! too true!
But what could I, unthinking city, do?
Faction swayed me,
Zeal allured me,
Both assured me.
Both betrayed me!
_Merc._ Suppose me sent
Thy Albion to restore,--
Can'st thou repent?
_Aug._ My falsehood I deplore!
_Tham._ Thou seest her mourn, and I
With all my waters will her tears supply.
_Merc._ Then by some loyal deed regain
Thy long-lost reputation,
To wash away the stain
That blots a noble nation,
And free thy famous town again
From force of usurpation.
_Chorus of all._ We'll wash away the stain
That blots a noble nation,
And free this famous town again
From force of usurpation. [_Dance of the Followers of_ MERCURY.
_Aug._ Behold Democracy and Zeal appear;
She, that allured my heart away,
And he, that after made a prey.
_Merc._ Resist, and do not fear!
_Chorus of all._ Resist, and do not fear!
_Enter_ DEMOCRACY _and_ ZEAL _attended by_ ARCHON.
_Democ._ Nymph of the city! bring thy treasures,
Bring me more
To waste in pleasures.
_Aug._ Thou hast exhausted all my store,
And I can give no more.
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