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Show P R O G R A M M E S OF BALLETS. 361 cheer his gloom. He endeavours to sustain his fortitude by representing the honour and glory that await him. Achilles, recovering, resigns himself wholly to the pursuit of arms, and is entirely directed by Ulysses. The latter makes a sign to his warriors, and they commence an Armed Dance. Achilles, unprepared for such an exhibition, is agreeably surprised. Ulysses extols his soldiers, and Achilles is transported. At the close of the measure the warriors prostrate themselves before the statue of Mars. Ulysses draws the attention of the hero to these tutelar deities, and both do homage before the statues. Ulysses, to prevent loss of time, orders to depart immediately. T h e soldiers prepare to march, and he tells Achilles he must now quit this abode of effeminacy, and fly to the field of Mars ; he obeys. As they are departing, a noise is heard and Deidamia enters; Ulysses hastens to draw away Achilles, who would stay, so great an effect has the unexpected arrival of Deidamia upon him. S C E N E II.-Deidamia, her face bathed in tears, expresses unrestrained grief, and deplores her situation; she arrests the progress of her husband, who is leaving her for ever. She then breaks out into reproaches, and evinces the strength of her attachment. She upbraids him with his cruel ingratitude, violated oaths, and deceitful conduct, and then endeavours to recall the first sentiments of their affection. Achilles is silent; he is anxious to rejoin Ulysses, who appears something disconcerted at the scene. Deidamia, perceiving her husband deaf to her entreaties, renews her supplications, and again reminds him of the oaths of fidelity they had sworn to each other before the Gods, oaths that should unite them for ever; she taxes him with her injuries, and employs prayers to dissuade him from departing. Ulysses, by contrary counsels, sustains and fixes the resolution of the hero; yet he fears the |
