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Show 362 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. susceptibility of his heart. Achilles is mute and turns from Deidamia; the beauteous princess clinging still to her husband, at length moves him ; he hesitates between love and glory. Deidamia, perceiving him irresolute, and still entertaining hopes, throws herself at his feet; the sight of this abasement recalls his affection, he is on the point of yielding; when Ulysses, constant to his purpose, essays to draw him away. Deidamia, unable longer to struggle with her misfortunes, and weak with exertion, falls into a swoon before him. Achilles, breaking from Ulysses, hastens to assist her, and employs every means for restoration ; his heart, subdued by love and pity, is wholly occupied with Deidamia. The latter gradually recovers, and finding herself in the arms of her husband, her joy is extreme. Ulysses, on witnessing this affecting scene, appears something moved, yet is he impatient to be gone, and even to abandon Achilles; but the latter detains him, entreating his indulgence for the object to w h o m he owes so much; he implores a short respite; Ulysses consents, finding it impossible to counteract the present emotions. A noise is heard. At this moment Lycomedes enters, followed by his guards and attendants; information of what is passinghas caused his presence. S C E N E III. They are struck motionless at the unexpected appearance of the monarch, w ho seems astonished. Recovered from his surprise, he perceives the whole intrigue ; he bursts out into the heat of passion, and loads them with reproaches, showing them their ungrateful conduct in abusing his credulity. His daughter and Achilles fall at his feet; but he attends not to their entreaties ; their tears and supplications are incapable of appeasing his just resentment; he feels deeply the injury offered him. Deidamia still employs tears and prayers to calm her incensed father, and perse- |