Clo. Tell him there's a post come from my
master, with his horn full of good news: my
master will be here ere morning. 48
[Exit.]
Lor. Sweet soul, let's in, and there expect their coming.
And yet no matter; why should we go in?
My friend Stephano, signify, I pray you,
Within the house, your mistress is at hand; 52
And bring your music forth into the air.
[Exit Stephano.]
How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!
Here will we sit, and let the sounds of music
Creep in our ears; soft stillness and the night 56
Become the touches of sweet harmony.
Sit, Jessica: look, how the floor of heaven
Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold:
There's not the smallest orb which thou behold'st 60
But in his motion like an angel sings,
Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubins;
Such harmony is in immortal souls;
But, whilst this muddy vesture of decay 64
Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it.
[Enter Musicians.]
Come, ho! and wake Diana with a hymn:
With sweetest touches pierce your mistress' ear,
And draw her home with music. 68
Jes. I am never merry when I hear sweet music.
Play music.
Lor. The reason is, your spirits are attentive:
For do but note a wild and wanton herd,
Or race of youthful and unhandled colts, 72
49 expect: await
51 signify: make it known
58, 59 the floor of heaven, etc.; cf. n.
59 patines: thin plates, used in celebration of the Eucharist
62 quiring: singing in harmony
70 attentive: absorbed, concentrated
