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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 325 APHRODITA*, A MYTHOLOGICAL BALLET, IN FIVE TABLEAUX. A R G U M E N T. THE following is nearly a literal translation of the description of the birth of Venus from Hesiod :- " • H e threw the bleeding mutilation into the stormy sea of Epirus ; it floated long amid the waves, till at length a white and foamy scum gathered around; a charming child appeared, and soon a lovely nymph arose. " To Cythera first she passed, isle divine; then she fled to sea-surrounded Cyprus. She went forth an adored deity, divinely fair; beneath her tender foot the grass more gladly grew. Gods and m en have named her Aphrogenia and Aphrodita; she is entitled, also, the garland-crowned Cytherea, because begot on froth, and first received * The subject of this Ballet, whose intention is to represent the most remarkable actions in the life of Venus, as well as her birth, has never been treated on by any Ballet-master before me. The idea of it was first suggested by reading the entertaining Letters of Demoustier; and in early youth the design of the piece was formed. Since that period, I have made such alterations as study and experience have dictated, and I flatter myself that those alterations are improvements. The first scene represents the birth of Venus; the second, her education ; the third, the reception of the young Goddess into Olympus, and her marriage with Vulcan; the fourth, her amours with Mars; in the fifth, the daughter of Ocean, persuaded by the counsels of Minerva, returns to her duties, and reunites herself to the affections of her husband; upon which a celebration takes place in honour of the Goddess of Beauty. C. B. 21 |