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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 477 she makes a sign to her followers, and they immediately appear. The scene changes, and represents the palace of the Goddess of Pleasure. Through a colonnade, at a distance, a beautiful grove is discovered. In the centre is seen a throne constructed with flowers, upon which Edonide placing herself, causes Alcides to sit by her side. The youth, astonished at all he beholds, complies with the request of Edonide, and gives himself up to her powerful illusions, while nymphs, genii, and little loves, try, by sports and dances, to seduce him from all thought of Virtue. He expresses the delight he feels at the calm repose of the scene, disturbed only by the gaiety of amiable amusements. Edonide, with her companions, counsel him to leave every thing for such enjoyment, representing the danger and folly of pursuing glory, by which human life is deprived of every pleasure. T o these persuasions Alcides yields a willing ear. H e is surrounded by nymphs, and crowned with flowers ; while Edonide promises to make him the dearest of her companions; Alcides expresses his gratitude, and gives himself up entirely to her direction. The troops of Pleasure envelop the youth in wreaths of flowers, and conduct him to a bower, to which they are directed by Edonide, who follows, triumphing in her conquest. |