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Show 356 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. nied by his suite; he conducts Deidamia by the hand, Achilles following at a respectful distance. The King orders preparation to be made for receiving the Greek A m bassador. Lycomedes is attended to his throne; he takes his seat, and places Deidamia at his side, the princes and princesses of his court surrounding them. Achilles contrives to place himself near to Deidamia. A prince enters to announce the arrival of an ambassador who desires an audience. The King commands him to be presented; the prince makes obeisance and retires; while the intelligence excites general curiosity. Ulysses now appears, followed by military attendants, he salutes the monarch respectfully, who grants him a gracious reception. Ulysses, on the part of his allies, the Greeks, demands the assistance of Lycomedes' troops and vessels to furnish out an expedition against the Trojans. Lycomedes agrees to his demands, informing him that he may ever rely in his friendship. Achilles pays a most marked attention to the proposals of Ulysses; he feels himself highly excited; an ambition of glory is awakened within him ; scarcely can he restrain his feelings ; he blushes at his effeminate apparel, and is on the point of tearing them off, but the affection he bears his dear Deidamia, on whom his eyes are continually fixed, restrains and calms his internal heat. During the discourse, the vigilant Ulysses has attentively observed him; he smiles triumphantly ; the disguise of the hero is no longer unknown to him. He now hastens to terminate the negociation. The King, descending from his throne, convinces all who surround him of the union that should subsist between them and the Greeks; and particularly between himself and the hero who merits both their esteem and admiration. Lycomedes invites Ulysses to remain with him; he con- |
