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Show P R O G R A M M E S OF BALLETS. 483 amined the gifts borne by the train of Pleasure with indifference, he approaches those presented by the troop of Virtue ; he beholds them with delight, and breaks out into a transport of joy at the sight of the shining armour"; he immediately takes possession of them, places the helmet on his head, grasps the shield, and seizes the sword, while his countenance betrays marks of impatience to signalize himself in the field. H e returns thanks to the Gods, and implores a continuation of their protection. He appears confident and resolved; no longer labouring under doubt and perplexity. S C E N E III.-The train of Virtue now retire ; Alcides wishes to follow them, when the troop of Pleasure instantly take the place of the others, and, presenting an obstruction to the path of Virtue by seductive blandishments and persuasive flatteries, try to prevent the hero from entering ; they envelop him in the entwinings of their wreaths, and display measures and attitudes of the most voluptuous description. Every artifice is put in practice to divert Alcides from his purpose ; he essays to break from them, menacing and despising their effeminate snares. The subjects of Edonide redouble their endeavours, daring even to imprison him in their wreathed bands, and so attempt to draw him to their retreats, smiling at his threats. Alcides, enraged at being thus ensnared, and fully resolved to enter the way of Virtue, hews himself a passage with his sword ; he then disperses and puts them to flight, and they again seek their own abode. S C E N E IV.-Monsters, fairies, and demons, armed with torches and serpents, appear, and take possession of the entrance to the path of Virtue, presenting a complete barrier to the progress of Alcides. These horrible spectres essay, by their menacing gesture, to deter the |
