Madam," replied she; "but I do not know the way by which I can descend into that dark abode." "Hold," said the Fairy Protectrice. "Here is a green branch; strike the earth with it, and repeat these lines distinctly." The Queen embraced the knees of this generous friend, and then said after her:—
"Thou who canst wrest from mighty Jove the thunder!
Love, listen to my prayer!
Come, save me from despair,
And calm the pangs that rend my heart asunder!
Be to the realms of Tartarus my guide.
E'en in those drear abodes they own thy sway.
Pluto for Proserpine, thy subject, sigh'd;
Open for me then to their throne the way;
A faithful husband from my arms they tear!
My fate is harder than my heart can bear;
More than mortal is its pain;
Yet for death it sighs in vain!"
She had scarcely finished this prayer, when a young child, more beautiful than anything we can behold, appeared in the midst of a gold and azure cloud. He flew down at her feet; a crown of flowers encircled his brow. The Queen knew by his bow and his arrows, that it was Love. He addressed her thus:—
"I have heard thy tender sighs,
And for thee have left the skies;
Love will chase thy tears away,
All for thee will Love essay.
Shortly shall thine eyes be blest
With his sight thou lovest best;
And the penance that shall be
Of thy cruel enemy."
The Queen, dazzled by the splendour that surrounded Love and delighted at his promises, exclaimed,
"Down to the realms of woe,
I'll fearless follow thee;
Bliss even there to know,
If there my love I see."
Love, who rarely speaks in prose, struck the earth three times, whilst he sang, in the most, enchanting manner, these words:—
"Earth! my voice obey!
The power of Cupid own!
Ope for Love the way
To Pluto's gloomy throne!"
