OCR Text |
Show 474 THE OOD-E OF TERPSICHORE. prove his constancy that he is now exposed to danger, but that having resolutely conquered, happiness would ensue. The courage of Alcides being excited by these expressions, he burns to enter this unknown desert; Phronime extols this ardour and promptitude; the former, notwithstanding, desires to know the nature of the hazardous trial to which he is about to be exposed. Phronime then points out the two roads, affirming that by the will of Fate and the Gods, every mortal must make the momentous choice of one of these two ways;-one which is easy and agreeable, leading to Pleasure without a hope of return ; while the other, which is dangerous and difficult, conducting to the abode of Virtue. He then describes the. charming but deceitful appearances of the first, whose end is misery; afterwards the danger and difficulty attending a passage through the second, which are however rewarded by glory and happiness. The sanguine youth, inflamed by this discourse, advances, under the guidance of his wise governor, to undertake this attempt; the old man informs him that the choice depends upon himself alone, but that "fie will still watch over his actions ; that honour or disgrace is the unalterable consequence of this event, and that, therefore, it is obvious which to choose. Alcides promises to do honour to himself, and to select the way to Virtue; upon this Phronime withdraws. S C E N E II.-Alcides, now finding himself alone, begins to mistrust himself; his fortitude appears sinking at the absence of his Mentor. H e meditates on his singular situation, then examines the two portentous paths of this desert. H e appears delighted with the lovely and flattering prospect of that leading to Pleasure; the approach seems easy; every thing is calculated to excite agreeable sensations. T h e beauty and variety of the flowers, whose perfume is wafted through the air upon the wings of |