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Show P R O G R A M M E S OF BALLETS. 293 other, desiring him to devote himself entirely to the service of the Goddess of Cythera. She feels her heart palpitate while waiting the reply of Hippolytus. Oenone incites and applauds her. Hippolytus blushes at the words addressed to him, and appears agitated. Is the dreadful dream about to be realised? H e evinces surprise and embarrassment. Phcedra would induce him to sacrifice to the Goddess; but the severity of his education, and the sobriety of his manners will not permit him; and beholding the resemblance that exists between the dream and his present situation, he entreats permission to withdraw. Phcedra detains him, while her looks and behaviour begin to unveil the secret of her heart. Hippolytus dreads the consequence of what he sees, and is astonished at the deportment of Phaedra, who, incapable of containing her transports, and emboldened by Oenone, declares to the son of Theseus her unlawful love for him. This avowal strikes Hippolytus motionless; recovering from his stupor, the first feeling he evinces is that of horror: his dream was but too true an image of the dreadful reality. The offence against nature and his father fills him .with indignation. Phaedra, a prey to her destructive passion, endeavours to calm Hippolytus, and to extort his pity for her fate. But he, unwilling to offer violence to the wife of his father, and fearing to be overcome by her entreaties, is about to leave her presence, but is prevented by Phaedra and Oenone. Terrible is now the situation of Hippolytus ! The Queen and her confidant essay by prayers to soften him, but he is immoveable, and threatens them with the wrath of heaven. Phaedra, forgetting her rank, throws herself at his feet, entreats his regard, paints the grief that destroys her, the hatred of Venus, and the death that awaits his cruel refusal. Hippolytus obliges her to rise from her abject position, then repulses her, and is 19 |