ABSTRACT
Calisto was written by John Crowne at the command of the Duke of York to provide a text for seven court ladies to act, and depicts Jupiter's unsuccessful attempt to seduce the chaste nymph Calisto. State grows uneasy when it hinders love, a glorious burden which the wise remove. 'Tis here that sovereign power admits dispute, Beauty sometimes is justly absolute. Our sullen Catos, whatsoe'er they say, even while they frown and dictate laws, obey. 'You, mighty Sir, our bonds more easy make, and gracefully what all must suffer take, above those forms the grave affect to wear', for 'tis not to be wise to be severe. True wisdom may some gallantry admit, and soften business with the charms of wit. These peaceful triumphs with our cares we bought, and from the midst of fighting nations brought; we only hear it thunder from a far, and sit in peace the arbiter of war.
