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Show 482 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. glory and happiness. The hero then hastens away to throw himself at the feet of his beloved Mentor. A C T III. SCENE I.- The same as the last. ALCIDES is discovered, he appears in doubt and distress; he now fears to show himself to Phronime, having yet done nothing for his glory, nothing to accomplish that for which he was destined ; he is oppressed by such recollections as these. At length, taking courage, he resolves upon a noble course of action, and prepares himself for honourable achievements. The path of Pleasure again appears before him, but he is no longer affected by its deceitful charms ; he despises the guilty repose that prevails there, and is now, at last, resolved to enter the way of Virtue. At this moment harmonious sounds are heard; the hasty march ofAlcides is awhile arrested, and he listens with eagerness and delight. S C E N E II.-The followers of Pleasure, and the votaries of Virtue enter in two groups, each advancing from their peculiar domain. Those of Virtue, proceeding on their own side, bear warlike instruments : a helmet, a sword, a shield, and a crown of laurel. Those on the side of Pleasure carry a coronet of roses, garlands, perfumes, and rich habiliments. Afcides expresses great astonishment at this exhibition. On one hand he beholds the perfidious troop of Pleasure ; on the other, the favoured worshippers of Virtue. The whole pageant produces in him agreeable yet conflicting sensations. Having ex- |