| OCR Text |
Show 266 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. with pleasure the dances and sports which the sea deities indulge themselves in, for his entertainment. Every thing is calculated to give him a relish for pleasure and a distaste of the dangers of war. W h e n the dancing is over, Thetis, her son, and Patroclus, come down from their thrones. Before departing Thetis wishes to see her son in a disposition to return to his own states; but all her entreaties are of little avail to change his frame of mind. H e prefers the pursuit of glory; the effects upon his mind of the delightful entertainments he has just beheld, are of short duration, and he avows his resolution of resuming arms when his injury is avenged. Thetis is anxious about the fate of Achilles, and grieved that he maintains his resolution. During this scene Patroclus, fearing lest he should be persuaded by Thetis, departs hastily, as though to execute a project that seems to engross all his thoughts. Thetis endeavours to appease her son, and entreats him to preserve his life. Achilles, sensible of her tenderness, expresses his gratitude. Thetis bids him farewell, and ascends to heaven with a view to his happiness. She is wafted up in a cloud and soon disappears. The Smiles, Sports, Graces, &c. fly up with her. Her numerous retinue plunge into the sea. Achilles bids his mother farewell, and withdraws to his tent, musing on his fate. ACT II. SCENE.-Interior of the camp of the Thessalians. Atone side is the tent of Achilles. ACHILLES appears absorbed in reverie. Full of the remembrance of his Briseis, he expresses his love and grief at her loss. He threatens with dreadful vengeance Aga- |
