Chapter 12

ANAXARCHUS, CLITIDAS.

ARI. You are asked for, my daughter, and there are some who are much pained by your absence.

ERI. I should think, Madam, that they only asked after me out of compliment, and that no one is as pained as you say.

ARI. There are so many entertainments made for your sake that all our time is taken up, and we have not a moment to lose if we wish to see them all. Let us enter the wood at once, and see what awaits us there. This is the most beautiful place in the world. Let us take our seats quickly.

THIRD INTERLUDE.

_The stage represents a forest where the_ PRINCESS _has been invited to go. A Nymph does the honours, singing; and to amuse the_ PRINCESS, _a small musical comedy is played, the subject of which is as follows:--A shepherd complains to two other shepherds, his friends, of the coldness of her whom he loves; the two friends comfort him; at that moment the beloved shepherdess appears, and all three retire to observe her. After a plaintive love-song, she reclines on the turf, and gives way to sweet slumber. The lover makes his two friends approach to contemplate the beauty of his shepherdess, and invokes everything to contribute to her rest. The shepherdess, on waking up, sees her swain at her feet, complains of his persecution; but taking his constancy into consideration, she grants him his wish, and consents to be loved by him, in the presence of his two friends. The Satyrs arrive, upbraid her with her change, and, distressed by the disgrace into which they have fallen, look for comfort in wine._

CLIMENE, PHILINTE.

PHILINTE. There was a time I pleased you well, Content I lived, and loved the spell; I had not changed for god or throne The sway o'er you I held alone.

CLIMENE. So, when by gentle passion swayed, You held me dear above all maid, The regal crown I would have spurned If for me still your heart had burned.

PHILINTE. Another's faith hath cured the wound I nursed for you within my breast.

CLIMENE. Another's love for me hath found Revenge I sought, and kindly rest.

PHILINTE. Chloris the fair true passion sways, For me she pours her soul in sighs, And I would gladly close my days If so should bid her beauteous eyes.

CLIMENE. Myrtil, of youthful hearts the flower, He loves me true e'en more than light; And I, to prove love's mighty power, Content, would pass to endless night.

PHILINTE. But if our passion's gentle ray A lingering spark would kindle anew, And from my heart expel to-day Chloris the fair, thy love to sue?

CLIMENE. Though Myrtil loves me true, Though constant e'er to sigh, Still, I confess, with you I'd gladly live and die.

BOTH (_together_). 'Midst love then more than ever let us fleet The lingering hours, and own a bond so sweet.

BALLET, DIVERTISSEMENT, ETC.