Somnus, awake,  

raise thy reclining head.

Peace, Iris, peace, I know how to charm him:

Pasithea's name alone can warm him.

Somnus, arise,

disclose thy tender eyes;

for Pasithea's sight

endure the light:

Somnus, arise.

My will obey,  

she shall be thine.

Thou, with thy softer pow'rs,

first Jove shalt captivate.

To Morpheus then give order,

thy various minister,

that with a dream in shape of Semele,

but far more beautiful

and more alluring,

he may invade the sleeping deity;

and more to agitate his kindling fire

still let the phantom seem to fly before him,

that he may wake impetuous, furious in desire,

unable to refuse whatever boon

her coyness shall require.

To me thy leaden rod resign,

to charm the sentinels

on mount Cithaeron.

Then cast a sleep on mortal Ino,

that I may seem her form to wear,

when I to Semele appear.

Obey my will, thy rod resign,  

and Pasithea shall be thine.

(apart)

Thus shaped like Ino.  

With ease I shall deceive her,

and in this mirrour she shall see

herself as much transform'd as me.

(to Semele)

Do I some goddess see!

Or is it Semele?

Your charms improving

to divine perfection,

shew you were late admitted

amongst celestial beauties.

Has Jove consented?

And are you made immortal?

(taking the glass from her)  

Be wise as you are beautiful,

nor lose this opportunity.

When Jove appears,

all ardent with desire,

refuse his proffer'd flame

'till you obtain a boon without a name.

Unknowing your intent,

and eager for possessing,

he unawares will grant

the nameless blessing.

But bind him by the Stygian lake,

lest lover-like his word he break.

Conjure him by his oath  

not to approach your bed

in likeness of a mortal,

but like himself, the mighty thunderer

in pomp of majesty,

and heav'nly attire;

as when he proud Saturnia charms,

and with ineffable delights

fills her encircling arms,

and pays the nuptial rites.

By this conjunction

with entire divinity

you shall partake of heav'nly essence,

and thenceforth leave this mortal state

to reign above,

ador'd by Jove,

in spite of jealous Juno's hate.

Rich odours fill the fragrant air,  

and Jove's approach declare.

I must retire. ~

(apart)

And sure destruction will ensue.

Vain wretched Fool ~

to her.

Adieu.

Of my ill boding dream  

behold the dire event.

How I was hence remov'd,  

or hither how return'd, I know not:

so long a trance whith-held me.

But Hermes in a vision told me

(as I have now related)

the fate of Semele;

and added, as from me he fled,

that Jove ordain'd I Athamas should wed.

Unworthy of your charms, myself I yield;

be Jove's commands and yours fulfill'd.