Lyrics The Masque - Deborah Conway, Marie Angel, Michael Nyman, Michael Nyman Band and Orchestra & Ute Lemper

Ceres, most bounteous lady, thy rich leas
Of wheat, rye, barley, vetches, oats and peas;
Thy turfy mountains, where live nibbling sheep,
And flat meads thatched with stover, them to keep;
And thy broom-groves,
Whose shadow the dismissed bachelor loves,
Being lass-lorn; the Queen o′th'Sky,
Whose watery arch and messenger am I,
Bids thee leave these, and with her sovereign grace,

Here on this grass-plot, in this very place
To come and sport. Her peacocks fly amain.
Approach, rich Ceres, her to entertain.

CERES
Hail, many-coloured messenger, that ne′er
Dost disobey the wife of Jupiter;
Who, with thy saffron wings, upon my flowers
Diffusest honey-drops, refreshig showers;
And with each end of thy blue bow dost crown
My bosky acres and my unshrubb'd down,
Rich scarf to my proud earth; why hath thy queen
Summon'd me hither, to this short-grass′d green?

IRIS
A contract of true love to celebrate;
And some donation freely to estate
On the bless′d lovers.

CERES
Tell me, heavenly bow,
If Venus or her son, as thou dost know,
Do now attend the queen?

IRIS
Of her society
Be not afraid: I met her deity
Cutting the clouds towards Paphos, and her son
Dove-drawn with her. Here thought they to have done
Some wanton charm upon this man and maid,
Whose vows are, that no bed-right shall be paid
Till Hymen's torch be lighted: but in vain;
Mars′s hot minion is return'd again;
Her waspish-headed son has broke his arrows,
Swears he will shoot no more, but play with sparrows,
And be a boy right out.

CERES
Highest queen of state,
Great Juo, comes; I know her by her gait.

JUNO
How does my bounteous sister? Go with me
To bless this twain, that they may prosperous be,
And honour′d in their issue.

JUNO
Honour, riches, marriage-blessing,
Long continuance, and increasing,
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Juno sings her blessings on you.

CERES
Earth's increase, foison plenty,
Barns and garners never empty;
Vines with clustering bunches growing;
Plants with goodly burden bowing
Spring come to you at the farthest
In the very end of harvest!
Scarcity and want shall shun you;
Ceres′ blesing so is on you.

JUNO
Juno sings her blessings on you.

IRIS
Come, temperate nymphs, and help to celebrate
A contract of true love; be not too late.