The mountains are sending their forces in might; The fields are upspringing, and girding for fight; The sea is outpouring, the air is alive, For thee, fair Primeva, in tourney to strive.
_During which, enter_, R., PRIMEVA; FLORA, _bearing flowers_; POMONA, _bearing basket of fruit_; AGRIA, _with a bundle of dried grass, hay, and grain_; OCEANA, SHELLIE, WAVA, MAJESTA, LOFTIE, AERIE, _and take positions according to following diagram_:—
_Chorus_, R. C. _Chorus_, L. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── _Chorus_, R. WAV. SHEL. POESIE. _Chorus_, L. _Chorus_, R. OC. _Chorus_, L.
_Chorus_, R. POM. LOFT. _Chorus_, L. _Chorus_, R. AGR. PRIM. AER. _Chorus_, L. _Chorus_, R. FLO. MAJ. _Chorus_, L.
_Poesie._ Conquered at last; and yet with strange affright I am possessed at this most dazzling sight. Fair spirits, at my call you've kindly met. I'm little skilled in your court etiquette: Accept the homage of a grateful heart, That long will cherish what you may impart.
_Primeva._ A suitor for that heart behold in me,— Primeva, Nature's goddess, strong and free. Follow my footsteps, and the path of life Shall be with beauty and instruction rife. Nature's grand empire all inviting opes, To crown with joy and bliss thy youthful hopes. The realm of matter owns my sovereign sway; All working forces my commands obey. But give to me thy heart, and onward press, For I've the power to beautify and bless. Come thou, fair Flora, guardian of my fields, Display the charms thy rich dominion yields.
(FLORA _steps upon platform at_ L. _of_ POESIE. POMONA _and_ AGRIA _step behind them_.)
_Flora._ Broad and bright, in beauty and in worth, The realms I govern stretch about the earth: In pastures where the meek-eyed cattle graze, In clustering woodlands, musical with praise, In mighty forests where the untamed rove, O'er rich plantations, through the tropic grove, O'er plain and prairie, noiseless to the tread, My regal green luxuriously is spread. Out of my thrifty soil mankind's supplies, At lusty labor's call, obedient rise. With fancy's touch I skilfully combine Grove, hill, and river in a rare design, And spread for Genius, rich, attractive views She fails to catch, yet hopefully pursues. Come to my realms, fair maid! Primeva's heart With warmest love shall purest joys impart.