| OCR Text |
Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 353 ACT I. SCENE I.-A view of the country near the sea, which is discovered in the distance. Towards the centre of the scene appears the temple of Bacchus. On the right stands a wood consecrated to that God. The Scene is obscurely lighted, to represent the break of day. ON the rising of the curtain, the temple of Bacchus is observed surrounded by groups of Bacchantes, who are assembled before the dawn to prepare a feast. The Bacchanalian priests enter from the temple, and command the Bacchantes to dispose every thing for the ceremony, and to arrange the processions: the latter retire to execute these orders. The priests withdraw into the wood, to invoke the assistance of the Gods. The stage has become gradually and fully lighted. S C E N E II.-Achilles and Deidamia now appear ; joy is depicted on their faces, and they express mutual delight at meeting each other. Unobserved by any intruder at this secret rendezvous, they exchange marks of affection; and then betake themselves to the pleasures of the dance (pas de deux), during which they describe the sentiments of love. They are interrupted by the instruments of the Bacchantes, who are approaching; they suspend their amusement in surprise. Deidamia counsels Achilles to withdraw instantly, and to disguise himself to prevent discovery. Deidamia retiring entreats Achilles to be prudent, lest suspicion should arise; he obeys, and they depart on the left, to avoid encountering the Bacchantes. S C E N E III.-The music plays some few minutes prior to the entrance of the Bacchantes, after which they ap- |
