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Jonson, Ben, 1573-1637

"Cynthia's Revels"

With these four
silver javelins, (which they bear in their hands) they support in
princes' courts the state of the presence, as by office they are
obliged: which, though here they may seem superfluous, yet, for
honour's sake, they thus presume to visit thee, having also been
employed in the palace of queen Perfection. And though to them
that would make themselves gracious to a goddess, sacrifices were
fitter than presents, or impresses, yet they both hope thy favour,
and (in place of either) use several symbols, containing the
titles of thy imperial dignity.
First, the hithermost, in the changeable blue and green robe, is
the commendably-fashioned gallant Eucosmos; whose courtly habit is
the grace of the presence, and delight of the surveying eye; whom
ladies understand by the names of Neat and Elegant. His symbol
is, "divae virgini," in which he would express thy deity's
principal glory, which hath ever been virginity.
The second, in the rich accoutrement, and robe of purple, empaled
with gold, is Eupathes; who entertains his mind with an harmless,
but not incurious variety; all the objects of his senses are
sumptuous, himself a gallant, that, without excess, can make use
of superfluity, go richly in embroideries, jewels, and what not,
without vanity, and fare delicately without gluttony; and
therefore (not without cause) is universally thought to be of fine
humour.


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