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Show 334 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. king, leaving their wives to attend upon Venus ; each of whom endeavours to pay homage to the Goddess, placing her on a throne of flowers which they had constructed. This pleasing scene is interrupted by the noise of warlike instruments ; fear taking possession of their breasts, the Nymphs disappear, while Venus seems overpowered with dread. It is the God Mars, who appears in a chariot driven by Bellona ; he is armed with terror, accompanied by Love and attended by warriors. Venus gradually recovers, but her timidity cannot support the sight of the warlike deity ; trembling she attempts to fly. Mars pursues, stops her flight, and throws himself at her feet. Cupid, seizing this propitious moment, draws his bow, and Venus is wounded by his dart. A Picture. The young Goddess, for the first time, feels the pains of love, inflicted by a deity, powerful though a child. She feels emotions at her heart; she is confused and agitated, yet beholds Mars with pleasure, who adores her. She listens with pleasure to his enamoured language, and receives with joy his oaths of love and sincerity. Notwithstanding this, the habiliments of the G o d of battles and the warlike train attending him still alarm the timid Goddess, and she expresses her fear of them to Mars. The condescending hero obediently lays aside his arms, and causes his attendants to withdraw. Love, who has not remained idle in this scene, now presents his new convert to Venus more agreeably dressed, and suitable to his present situation ; and having woven a crown of flowers, he presents it to Venus, w ho places it upon the head of her lover. The Goddess contemplates with delight the change that has taken place, expressing to Mars how much more pleasing and amiable he appears in his present attire. The God accosts her with a peculiar ardour of passion; Venus blushes, is confused and hesitates; Mars |