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Show 308 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. The nymph, abashed, gently withdraws herself. Her lover attempts to seize her hand ; she withholds it; agitation is betrayed in all her demeanour ; she will listen to him no longer. Mercury tenderly presses her, complains of her cruelty. Egle languishingly turns her eyes upon him, and begins to tremble. The God exhibits the most lively joy at it; he redoubles his entreaties, throws himself at her feet, conjuring her to return his affection. H e assures her of the constancy of his passion by oaths. Egle can no longer resist the passion which impels her, and the ascendancy of the G o d who has triumphed over her. She abandons herself entirely to the pleasure of receiving from her lover assurances of his constancy, and she avows her own tender sentiments towards him. Mercury enjoys the pleasure of being beloved on his own account ; he vows to his fair one the most tender passion, and they sink into each other's arms. At this instant the scene changes, and represents the temple of Mercury. Zephyr, holding the caduceus in one hand, and with the other pointing to the amorous Faun, discovers Mercury. Flora, the muse of dancing, as well as the Nymphs and Shepherds, express the surprise they feel at the disguise of the God. Mercury throws himself at the feet of the trembling nymph, and swears to her to continue ever the tender and faithful shepherd who found means to please her. Egle can scarcely believe her felicity ; all applaud so excellent a choice, and joy summoning each of them back to the dance, thus are celebrated the amours of Egle. |
