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Show P R O G R A M M E S OF BALLETS. 481 contemplate the benefits resulting from attaching himself to her principles. Upon a sign being made by the Goddess of Virtue, the scene changes ; a palace appears, the architecture of which is both noble and majestic. All the worshippers and followers of Virtue are here displayed, each following appropriate avocation. Heroes are exercising themselves in the ancient games ; combats with sword and shield, warlike evolutions, wrestling, Pyrrhic dances, and every species of athletic sports are going on. S C E N E VI.-All hasten to do homage to the Goddess, and congratulate each other on living beneath her happy sway. The power expresses to Alcides the noble manner in which her votaries pass their days, whence arise generous sentiment and undaunted valour. The spectacle fills the young hero with delight, and he burns to prove his prowess among them and to live so gloriously ; he is hastening to mix with the busy groups, but Aretis prevents him ; the youth conjures her to permit him to join himself to the warrior bands. She replies, they are but visionary shadows, fabricated to inspire the breast with enterprise, fortitude, and valour. Alcides, turning to the power, implores her counsel and protection. She replies, that all depends upon his own exertion, and then vanishes away. The palace, with all the noble company of combatants, disappear, and the scene changes to the first of the first act, representing the two roads. S C E N E VII.-Alcides seems as if awakening from a dream; all that he has seen and heard causes the greatest agitation within him ; he grieves for the loss of Aretis, and fears that the whole is no more than illusion. Thus deserted, he invokes the aid of his dear Phronime, promising to yield himself up entirely into his hands, and to follow his prudent advice, which would lead him to |
