Recitative, Accompanied

Descend, and consecrate, ye sacred Nine, The nuptial rites of GEORGE and CAROLINE: Nor courted, nor invok'd, but wing your way, Yourselves inspired, my mighty theme to obey!

And first, sweet Polyhimnia, muse of sound, Verb'rate thy lyre; and, while thou spread'st around, Trembling Aether sweetly filling, Thy rapturous airs so soft, so thrilling,

Possess me, rule each sense at thy control; Strain following strain, Again, and yet again: Come, with thy melody entrance my longing soul.