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Show 312 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. efforts, he portrays to her the advantages and the honours which would accrue to her from the Emperor's affection, and, in short, that she would become mistress of the Emperor's will by submitting to his desires. Statira, deprived of utterance, knows not what reply to make. The glory and honours which are offered her are, in her mind, but so many insults, and so many degrading affronts. She blushes on seeing herself thus despised, she is aware of the inflexibility of Licinius, and she trembles at her situation. Benin endeavours to allay her agitation, and to weaken her notions of virtue; he tries to dazzle her mind by the splendour of Licinius' rank. However, prudence demands of Statira that she should manage the perfidious confidant, and that she should not affect the character of her worthy master. She answers evasively, dissembles, and begs for time to reflect upon her destiny. Benin, fearful of losing the golden opportunity, warmly urges her to give him a favourable answer; but Statira, no longer able to brook such humiliation, and resuming her resolution, manifests to him by her gestures the most profound contempt for her vile seducers. The energy which virtue inspires her with renders her superior to all fear, and she forbids Benin ever more to approach her. H e stands dismayed at the firmness of Statira, which his base soul did not expect from her. Recovering himself, he shows his resentment towards Statira ; vengeance alone can console him for the ill success of his base attempt, and he hastens to inform Licinius. |