TOM Where art thou, Venus? Venus? where art thou? The flowers open to the sun. The birds renew their song. It is spring. The bridal couch is prepared. Come quickly, beloved, and we will celebrate the holy rites of love.
(He shouts)
Holla! Achilles! Helen! Eurydice, Orpheus, Persephone! All my courtiers. Holla!
(The madmen appear)
Where is my Venus?, why have you stolen her while I slept?. Madmen! where have you hidden her?
MADMEN Venus? stolen? hidden? where? Madman! no one has been here.
TOM My heart breaks, I feel the chill of death's approaching wing. Orpheus! strike from thy lyre a swan-like music. And weep, ye nymphs and shepherds of these Stygian fields, weep for Adonis, the beautiful, the young. Weep for Adonis, whom Venus loved.