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Show P R O G R A M M E S OF BALLETS. 363 veres in her endeavours to prove her innocence and her hapless fate; Lycomedes, still remembering the wrongs done to him, repulses, with grief and indignation, his affectionate child ; Achilles joining himself to the princess, they prostrate themselves before him, and assist in the entreaty. At length Ulysses discovers to the King that it is Achilles, the son of Thetis the Goddess, who is united to his daughter by the ties of Hymen; and that the Gods now demand the services of that hero against the Trojans. At this intelligence the monarch is both calmed and surprised ; he turns, and raises Achilles and Deidamia ; and, submitting to the will of the Gods, he pardons them ; he embraces them, and congratulates himself on such an alliance. This discovery fills the couple with delight; and all partake in their joy. T o celebrate the happy day, the King commands all to return thanks to the Gods, and to enliven the rejoicing by dances and games. The priests enter and prepare an altar for sacrifice; they invoke the Gods, and implore their protection. All surround the altar to partake in the rites. The High Priest begins the sacrifice, beseeching the favour of the Gods ; he prays them to decide the lot of Achilles by some supernatural sign. All, bending before the altar, await the supernatural signs in solemn silence. The growling of thunder is heard, attesting the will of the Gods. Every one now prostrates himself; Achilles submits with pleasure; but Deidamia cannot restrain her sorrow. Lycomedes endeavours to console her ; he commands the celebration to begin, seating himself by his children and Ulysses. [Divertissement, Corps de Ballet, pas de deux, pas de quatre, and Finale]. The Divertissement is performed by the princes, princesses, and the whole assembled court. |
