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Show 332 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. with admiration. In the mean time Venus, accompanied by Mercury, attains the palace on the same side at which Vulcan had entered, and presents herself to the observation of the celestial assembly. The admiration and astonishment become universal. Jealousy takes possession of the hearts of the Goddesses. The thundering King admires the divine stranger. The flame of love is already kindled in the breasts of Vulcan, Mars, and Apollo. Jupiter descends from his throne, the deities follow him; he approaches Venus, embraces her, and, placing a crown upon her head, proclaims her Goddess of Beauty. The ruler of the skies declares, that as Juno partakes with him the empire of heaven, and that as Pallas is patroness of wisdom, so shall Venus be the mistress of beauty. He commands also that the young Goddess should have as inseparable companions, Love* and the Graces. Venus seems confused and modestly displays her joy. The rival Goddesses, endeavouring to dissimulate, conceal their real envy. Her reception is celebrated by dances, in which Apollo, Mercury, Hebe, the Graces, and Love take a part. Venus is distinguished by her seducing manners and voluptuous attitudes. Vulcan, deeply enamoured with the charms of this ravishing beauty, finds himself excited to demand her hand of Jupiter, as a reward for the service he had just performed. Mars and Apollo, also, as much overcome as their rival, entreat possession of the charming deity, as a recompense of their heroic deeds; * Several writers of the highest antiquity, and more recently certain mythological authors, have placed the birth of Love prior to Chaos. W e have followed this tradition, although contrary to the general opinion that Venus was his mother. W e , therefore, thought ourselves sufficiently authorised, yet deemed it requisite to inform our readers of that authority. |
