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Show 270 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. statue of Jupiter, they all implore his assistance ; while Briseis appears to anticipate her tender reception. Achilles, followed by warriors, enters from his tent ; he seems agitated by deep thought. He is discovered by the Greeks, who prepare to address him ; Achilles, recovered from his meditation, appears astonished at their presence. Ulysses advances to speak, but remembering the ancient hatred between them, his indignation returns ; he is on the point of drawing his sword, but is restrained by Calchas and Briseis; the former of w h o m prevails with him, from the reverence due to his character, and the latter calms him by the power of her love. Ulysses now endeavours to appologize, and joins with Calchas in persuading the hero, by the will of the Gods, and the welfare of Greece, to change his resolution, displaying at the same time their rich presents. Briseis is now brought forward and led towards him, accompanied by more gifts. Achilles, notwithstanding, remains inexorable ; he turns a deaf ear to the prayers of the Greeks, and even resists the tears of Briseis, who embraces his knees ; he lifts up the latter, but with eyes averted from her. She continues to give expression to her love and grief, representing to the hero what glory awaits his return. The Grecian chiefs remind him of the atonement made by Agamemnon; but vengeance alone seems to inspire the son of Thetis. Calchas, advancing, denounces celestial wrath against him, and, in the style of prophecy, menaces him with every misfortune, should he continue insensible to the woes of Greece. This solemn warning seems to move Achilles; he becomes agitated, and sinister presentiments appear already to have taken possession of his breast. This is remarked by every one present, who now expect a happy change : a movement is made to induce him to decide favourably, and prayers are repeated. But Achilles, re- |