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Show 358 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. and Deidamia, he presides at the entertaiment. (Divertissement by the whole Corps de Ballet.) A prince and two princesses dance a pas de trois. The women attending Deidamia dance a measure to the sound of lyres. They then invite the spouse of Achilles to join them. Ulysses, seconding the request, entreats her to condescend to delight them. Deidamia consents and rises. Achilles presents her with a harp, she accepts it with a secret pleasure; she then executes a pas seul, with peculiar grace and science. Every one applauds, and she receives the praise with modesty. In dancing, she has essayed, however, more particularly to fix the attention of Achilles. Ulysses now rises, returns thanks for the gracious reception Lycomedes has granted him, and prays him to receive the offerings of friendship which he is about to present; they are produced before the King, who is pleased to accept them. Vases, rich stuffs, &c. are exhibited before the court; on beholding them the admiration becomes universal, during which Ulysses narrowly watches Achilles. A complete suit of armour forms part of the presents, upon this the son of Thetis rivets his attention; he wishes to contemplate it nearer; he examines it, while his eyes sparkle with joy. Deidamia perceives it, hastens to him, and fearing for his imprudence, by looks and gestures allures him from the snare. The crafty Ulysses, satisfied at the success of his penetration, already sees the happy termination of his enterprise. While these offerings occupy the entire attention of the court, Deidamia being in fear, and Achilles in agitation, they are disturbed by the clash of arms. Surprise pervades the court, their attention is diverted. A prince, attached to Lycomedes, enters, and announces that the soldiers of Ulysses are engaged in an obstinate combat with those of the King; and that the presence of the latter is necessary to |