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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 335 perceiving her irresolution, redoubles his solicitations, and conjures her with increased fervor to satisfy his wishes; but it is Cupid who completes the conquest, and the two lovers fall into each other's arms, while he triumphs in their reciprocal transports. Mars and Venus, in the excess of their delight, swear eternal fidelity, and then betake themselves to the pleasure of dancing. Their enjoyment is now interrupted by the arrival of Minerva and Mercury, who descend in a chariot drawn by owls. They are commissioned to announce to Mars the necessity of his departure into Thrace to subdue the Titans ; such being the royal pleasure of Jupiter. The two lovers appear thunderstruck by this news ; they become motionless ; and all their vows of affection must be broken. The Ocean's daughter feels the most poignant grief. Rage and revenge inspire her breast. Minerva persuades them to be calm, and induces them to act promptly and resolutely. The son of Juno, unable to withstand the power of Jupiter, takes an affectionate farewell of his mistress, and departs fully armed, but a prey to despair. Minerva consoles Venus, and covering her with the iEgis, protects her from the fatal passion. Love, to try the effect of his arrows, engages in a contest with the Goddess of Wisdom, but he is vanquished, and finding himself deceived, and his designs frustrated, he wings his way into the skies, the daughter of Jove laughing at the rage of the malignant boy. Vulcan now enters, accompanied by his attendants, he revisits his wife with delight, the influence of Minerva having entirely obliterated every trace of what has happened. The happy couple exchange marks of mutual attachment, while Vulcan invites Minerva and Mercury to attend him into his palace to partake of a banquet. |
