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Show 476 THE CODE 01' TERPSICHORE. the distance, and that she bestows happiness on whomsoever is pleased to follow her. She adds, that every one confesses tlie power of her charms, and that, therefore, he ought to surrender his heart to her, obey her laws, and live in her dominions. Alcides appears fascinated as if by a delightful vision; the allurement overpowers him; but he asks for a further and more explicit account. Edonide replies, that she is the Goddess of Pleasure, the consolation of the unfortunate, and the joy of mankind. She offers to share with him the wealth of which she is possessed, reproaches his delay, and presses him to follow her immediately into the leafy recesses of the woods. The youth refusing, she complains of his ingratitude; he at length seems moved by the winning graces of the Goddess ; her promises have charmed him, and he is reduced to doubt and indecision; still reason forbids him to yield. Edonide is offended at his resistance, and astonished at his temerity. She declares to him that reason and virtue destroy every agreeable sentiment, deprive life of every pleasure ; that they present nothing but labour and pain, and are enemies to nature. " In me," continues she, "you will find the chief good is placed." She then earnestly entreats him to enter her dwelling of delight. Alcides is sensible of the offered enjoyment, but fears he is falling for ever into a snare. Edonide assures him of safety, and prepares to conduct him into her enchanting abode. Alcides, determined to avoid inglorious repose, withdraws himself from her; arms and fame are the objects of his desire, and he turns to the path of Virtue. Edonide pretends to warn him from a terrible fate which will there attend Inm.^Alcides persists, representing that happiness will reward undaunted resolution. Edonide continues to press him to follow her, and in order to prevail, and at length in bringing him to submit to her empire, |
