Which is the fountain of these bitter tears.
But who is this, that with such eager looks
Hastens this way?-- [17]

_Eun._ 'Tis fairest Arethuse,
A stranger naiad, yet you know her well.

_Ino._ My eyes were blind with tears.

_Enter Arethusa._

Dear Arethuse,
Methinks I read glad tidings in your eyes,
Your smiles are the swift messengers that bear
A tale of coming joy, which we, alas!
Can answer but with tears, unless you bring
To our grief solace, Hope to our Despair.
Have you found Proserpine? or know you where
The loved nymph wanders, hidden from our search?

_Areth._ Where is corn-crowned Ceres? I have hastened
To ease her anxious heart.

_Eun._ Oh! dearest Naiad,
Herald of joy! Now will great Ceres bless
Thy welcome coming & more welcome tale.

_Ino._ Since that unhappy day when Ceres lost
Her much-loved child, she wanders through the isle;
Dark blight is showered from her looks of sorrow;--