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Show 272 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. ACT V. T H E scene represents the adjacent part of mount Ida, which appears in the distance. The Trojan army is routed. The growling of a tempest is heard, and lightning illumines the gloom. Companies of soldiers, supposing they are still pursued by the sword of Achilles aided by celestial wrath, are seen traversing the mountain in disorder. The storm now relaxes ; the clouds roll off, and light appears. The Grecian trumpets rally their victorious army and proclaim their victory. They enter and arrange themselves at the foot of the mountain. Agamemnon and Achilles arrive, accompanied by the Grecian princes. The King acknowledges his injustice, for which, however, he has just atoned by contributing to the late victory. Achilles appears fully satisfied and reconciled. The services of Agamemnon have calmed every feeling of resentment. Notwithstanding the joy at having revenged his friend, Achilles cannot recover from the sorrow he feels at his own loss ; Hector's death cannot remove the rankling dart of grief in his bosom ; Patroclus is ever before his eyes. All partake in his sufferings; and the hero expresses a wish that his friend should receive the last honours due to his valour ; upon which Agamemnon orders preparations to be made for celebrating the funeral ceremonies. A tomb is quickly erected, constructed of the spoils of the vanquished. Every one crowds around this monument to do homage to the memory of the warrior, placing upon it coronets of laurel and garlands of cypress ; Achilles himself deposits a laurel crown; and the rites are thus completed. the impetuosity of that hero, and the spectator does not grow inattentive by delay. |