J.

by David Brining

  Fourth Interlude

  Apollo and Jacinthus

  A Masque

  for Henry Prince of Wales

  As it was performed on January 6 1609

  at the Court of King James, White-hall

  by Master Iankyn, Master Tages and their plaiers

  A dark rock with trees beyond it. A pool of water beneath the cliff.

  CUPID is discovered carving a bow in the manner of the painting Amor (or Cupid carving his bow) by Parmigianino. He has wings attached to his shoulders.

  CUPIDSome new sport I'll have today.

  Two young people spied at play

  Shall be conjoined in throes of love

  Rained down on them from skies above,

  And as I watch their ardour grow

  I'll rest content, enjoy the glow

  Of praises to great Cupid sung

  In god and mortals' sweetest tongue.

  JACINTHUS appears, removes his robe and steps naked into the pool. He sings.

  Melt earth to sea, fire fly to air,

  And sea to air should flow,

  Whilst we in tunes to Jupiter's chair

  Bear Lord Apollo's woe.

  There can be nothing high nor low

  But JAMES to whom it flies:

  The wonder he of tongues, of ears, of eyes.

 

  Who hath not heard, who hath not seen,

  Who hath not sung his name?

  The soul that hath not, hath not been,

  But is the very same

  With buried sloth which knows not fame,

  Which him doth best comprise

  The wonder is of tongues, of ears, of eyes.

  APOLLO arises from his slumber, casting beams of gold around him as he departs his leafy bower and approaches the pool.

  APOLLOWhen the father's armour rings,

  And the Spartans mourn their king,

  Though he still be very young,

  Nature's blessings on the son

  Will ensure the throne is won.

  APOLLO sits behind a rock and watches IACINTHUS bathing in the water. CUPID flies in the air, casting a dart at APOLLO and sprinkling dust over IACINTHUS' head. APOLLO starts.

  CUPIDBe content, love and enjoy,

  Apollo, you have won the boy.

  CUPID flies away. IACINTHUS emerges from the pool and reaches for his robe.

  IACINTHUSNow 'tis time. I must away.

  Day is wasted spent at play.

  APOLLO Sweet youth, tarry, hold, and stay.

  IACINTHUSNay. The morn is come. I must away.

  APOLLOLord Apollo thee commands. Thou obey. Thusly, stay.

  You are lovelier than the May

  In the spring, and thus should stay

  With me, the Sun, lest you decay.

  IACINTHUS kneels before the Sun-God, who places an arm round his shoulder.

  IACINTHUS Do not force me, or compel me.

  Strong of arm though thou art, and dread.

  APOLLOBanish such gloomy thoughts from your head.

  Gentler Language! These are rites

  Sacred to the gloomy nights.

  Speak of love, yea speak it low,

  And I wilt not chastise thee so.

  IACINTHUSI love my Lord and wilt alway.

  Command what thou wilt, and I'll obey.

  APOLLOCheerly now, rise, and sport us

  In such pastimes as the gods have taught us.

  Thus the Verdant Jacinth grow

  The love of sun and gods to show.

  SONG (by Ben Jonson)

  Buz, quoth the blue fly,

  Hum, quoth the bee:

  Buz and hum they cry,

  And so do we.

  In his ear, in his nose,

  Thus, do you see?

  He ate the dormouse,

  Else it was he.

  Joining hands, they dance as the cliff opens to reveal a palace made of crystal and gold.

  Part Five:

  Jedburgh