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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 341 a projecting wall which forms a kind of portico, are observed various kinds of earthen vases. Polydore throws himself at the feet of Love, and appears anxious to behold his dear Dibutade. The young G o d commands him to announce his arrival in writing, directing him to perform it with the point of a dart upon a papyrus. Polydore obeys, and writes what Love dictates, who takes the epistle, and causes Polydore to conceal himself until the accomplishment of his wishes; the lover submits. The mischievous boy of Cythera then disguises himself as An-thenor, a pupil of Philocles, and betakes himself to the manufacture of vases. H e seems meditating on his designs, and expresses himself confident of success. Dibutade enters; love appears to engross all her thoughts; the absence of Polydore causes all her woe; Cupid watches her motion, and shortly after approaches and presents himself before her. His sprightly air and gay behaviour are offensive to Dibutade; and she desires him to show more respect to her situation; Love smiles and continues his roguishness; Dibutade, impatient of such effrontery, is going, but is prevented by the pretended Anthenor, who entreats her to pardon his jocular humour, which is caused by a piece of good news that he is going to inform her. Dibutade is surprised! does it concern her love? Cupid replies in the affirmative. Dibutade implores him not to keep her in uncertainty, but to explain himself without further delay. The mischievous boy gaily resumes his discourse, smiling at the torments of the affectionate girl. H e at length satisfies her request, by telling her that a message has been sent to him announcing the arrival of Polydore, and that probably she may soon behold him at her feet. After this information he delivers the letter from her lover. Dibutade seizes it with transport, she cannot contain her joy ; 22 |