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Show 264 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. ACT I. S C E N E * . - At the right, the camp of Achilles ,• at the left, afar off, a large plain bounded by hills, above which rises the city of Troy. The tent of Peleus' Son stands partly on the stage, his armour hangs on a pillar. The prospect is limited by the sea, and the Thessalian ships are seen along a part of the shore. A C H I L L E S is seated near a table, striking a lyre. After he has stripped himself of his armour, and withdrawn into his camp, the workings of his countenance express deep resentment of the injury inflicted on him by Agamemnon, and concern at the loss of Briseis, with whom he is enamoured. He endeavours to smooth his cares with the charms of music, which seems to afford him some relief. Its sweet modulation is expressive of the delights of peace and the charms of friendship. Patroclus is near him, bewailing the misfortunes of the Greeks and his friend's obstinacy. Of a sudden the sky is rent by the sounds of war. The song of Achilles is interrupted by the clang of clarions and trumpets, which is a signal for the Trojans to attack the Greeks. The Trojan army is discovered filing off in the distance. Grief of Patroclus ! Achilles is thrilled with the din of war ; his lyre falls from his hands ; he snatches up his armour, as on the day when, disguised among the daughters of Lycomedes, he betrayed himself at the sight of a sword. His emotion is perceived by Patroclus, who draws a favourable omen from it, points out to Achilles where the Phrygian warriors are advancing, and solicits * It will be observed, that the word Scene, in the following Ballets, does not always denote a change olscenerj/, but frequently only a change or addition of characters. |