still find some one who stoops to honour me. Our deserts are not even
fairly weighed together, but all are ready to abandon me; while of the
numerous train of privileged graces, whose care and friendship
followed me everywhere, I have now only two of the smaller ones who
cling to me out of mere pity. I pray you, let these dark abodes lend
their solitude to the anguish of my heart, and suffer me to hide my
shame and grief in the midst of their gloom.

FLORA _and the other deities withdraw; and_ VENUS _with her
retinue descends from her chariot_.



SCENE II.--VENUS, CUPID, AEGIALE, PHAENE, CUPID

AEGI. know not what to do, goddess; while we see you overwhelmed by
this grief, our respect bids us be silent, our zeal would have us
speak.

VEN. Speak; but if your cares would please me, leave all your advice
for a fitter time; and speak of my wrath but to own me right; that was
the keenest insult my divinity could ever receive; but revenge I shall
have if gods have any power.

PHA. Your wisdom, your discernment, are greater than ours in deciding
what may be worthy of you; yet, methinks, a mighty goddess should not
thus give way to wrath.

VEN. That is the very reason of my extreme anger; the greater the
brilliancy of my rank, the deeper the insult. If I did not stand on so