P9 ^i^ ' it' tar- The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022035871 PS 2719.RT5Y3'"""'""'' "*"'" ^* SpMmiiSil'i'.JP''''*"*' <"■ The apple of 3 1924 022 035 871 Ye (jjods and (jyoddesses^ OR, The Apple of Discord. A MYTHICAL MEDLEY.^ WRITTEN BY COMPOSED BY Charles Robinson. John H. Strong. ROCHESTER, N. Y. E. R. ANDREWS, PRINTER AND BOOKBINDER, 1 AQUEDUCT ST. 1889. Copyrighted, i88g. BY Chaslbs Robinson. Dramatis Persons. Jove, "King of men and father of the gods'' Juno, His wife, an untamed shrew. Minerva, His amazonian daughter, rivalling Juno in beauty. Venus, A goddess of much beauty, and a decided belle among the " Upper Ten'' Bacchus, An intimate young friend of the family. Apollo, An immortal " Bunthorne.'' .Mars, The Olympian Secretary of War, Mercury, General Utility God in the household of Jove. Hebe, Goddess of all work in Jove's household. Canymede, Cup-bearer to Jove. Peleus, ) Y Victims of Cupid. Thetis, J Goddess of Discord, An oriental cyclone. Muse of History, The eternal reporter. Paris, A mortal, and Judge of the Court of Appeals. Chorus of Lesser Deities, Shepherds, ^c. Act Ic — A drawing-room in Jove's palace on Mt. Olympus. Act II. — A pasture on the slopes of Mt. Ida. Act III. — A room in Jove's palace on Mt. Olympus. Act IV. — Council Chamber in Jove's palace. Time: About I200 B. C. Ye Gods and Goddesses^ OR, THE APPLE OF DISCORD. ACT I. Scene. — A drawing room in Jove's palace on Mount Olympus. Divans, &=€., scattered about. A pair of thun- derbolts lie upon a table in a corner. Curtains across the back of the room conceal a banquet hall in the rear with table set for a feast. Jove discovered in his purple robes reclining upon a couch, as the curtain ascends he awakens. In the distance is heard a chorus. Chorus. Oh Jove, great Jove, to thee we sing, Father of gods — of mortals' King — Pater deorum, rex regum, Deus omnium hominum. Jove, taking a pair of opera glasses, goes to the window and looks out. Oh shout and sing in loud accord Praises to Jove our King and Lord, Ductor virorum optimus, Audi Jupiter ! audi Zeus ! Grant us honor, grant us fame, Forever we'll praise thy mighty name. Deus omnium maximus — Ave Jupiter ! Ave Zeus ! Jove. {Turning from the window) Oh yes, it is the early Latins in their far off home, at Latium, singing their morning song of adoration. {He replaces the glasses.) I had thought as much. A wonderful destiny has that land of their's. Some day on it's seven hills there will rise a city which will rival Athens, and where I shall be worshiped with a solemnity and magnificence equal to that now in Greece. Oh ! it is a glorious thing to be able to recline at one's ease, and hear the songs of praise that' rise from a thousand mortal throats — a role that any king — or god — would be glad to play ; but they "Cawn't do it, you know." Stepping to the front of stage he sings, with much gesture : Jove. ( solo. ) Indeed it is a pleasant thing To be a god or be a king. But better still it is to be A king of men and gods like me ; For then, no matter what you do, It's very wise and good of you. For nobody would dare to say That Jove was jovial or gay. So I, the king of gods, am free To do whatever pleases me. I laugh, ha! ha! I sing, tra! la J For I, the king of gods, am free To do whatever pleases me. I cause a war 'twixt gods or men, I overthrow and raise again. I make commands, and they're obeyed, "^ {Oh&ytd' almost as soon as made.) I play at cards, and throw the dice, I drink cool nectar kept on ice. I marry whom and when I please, And so I lead a life of ease. For I, the King of gods, am free To do whatever pleases me. I laugh, ha ! ha ! I sing, tra ! la ! Yes, I, the King of gods, am free To do whatever pleases me. But though I seem so very free, I must maintain my dignity. To etiquette I heed must pay. And certain customs must obey. I cannot jest with mortal man — Must do to help him what I can; But yet in heav'n and earth I'm king And so can do most anything. Thus I, the King of gods, am free To do whatever pleases me. I laugh, ha ! ha! I sing, tra ! la ! For I, the King of gods, am free To do whatever pleases me. Taking a "Book of Engagements" from his pocket , and consulting it, he remarks : Ah, yes ! today I am to give the wedding breakfast to Peieus and Thetis. I had almost forgotten — Enter Minerva. Without seeing Jove, she marches in with a very soldier-like tread. Jove. Minerva ! Minnie, my child ! why such un- seemly conduct .? {^She stops short and stands with- down- cast eyes, while he continues) Dost thou not remember that thou art Minerva, an immortal goddess ? That all the arts and sciences are held in thy right hand ? Minerva. Yes, papa, but — Jove. No excuses ! There is no reason why you, a deity, should indulge in such unwarranted levity. Do / ever forget my dignity .' Never, Minerva, never ! But enough — let this not happen again. Go ! and summon thy stepmother — Queen Juno ! Exit Minerva. Jove waltzes along the front of the stage. Oh I, the king of gods, am free To do whatever pleases me. I scold, oh ! oh ! I'm cross, and blow ! But I, the King of gods, am free To do whatev — Enter Minerva and Juno. Jove immediately becomes silent and dignified, advancing to meet them. Jove. Ah, fair Juno, queen of Olympus and great Jove himself, I did send for thee! Juno. Yea, my lord. Jove. And thou did'st quickly come. Nay, nay, Minnie, dear, take not offense that I did reprimand thee. Dost thou know what thy mother and I have planned for this day's amusement 1 Minerva. Nay, my lord. Jove. A wedding breakfast — Juno. For Peleus and Thetis, whom thou wilt remem- ber as a. most dull, uninteresting pair — Minerva. Oh, Juno, not uninteresting. All heaven loves a lover. Jove. Yes, and then I have invited Bacchus, — Minerva. Ah ! then the feast will not be dull ; and whom besides — Venus and Apollo ? Jove. Yea, both, my child. Juno. Why, if I may ask, didst thou invite that im- pudent young fellow, Bacchus .' Jove. Oh, he is a well meaning chap, and though he is at times a trifle wild, he has been a good friend of the family — Enter Mercury. (^Having made obeisance) Mercury. Most gracious king and queen of heaven, The Muse of History waits without. Jove, (aside) Confound those reporters ! (aloud) Best Mercury, my faithful servant. Pray tell her that I'm out this morning. Exit Mercury. Minerva. But papa you art not out. Jove. Yes, my dear, I am out — out of patience with that interviewing scribbler. Juno. Then why do you not strike her with your thunder-bolts ? Jove. Well, hm ! These papers — that is, their sup- port is rather valuable to a — an office-holder. Juno. Oh pooh ! Methinks that if T were the king of earth and heaven, and omnipotent over gods and men, / should have a little more independence. Jove. Well, my dear, it happens that you are not, and so — Minerva. Hist papa! I just heard the door-bell — the guests are arriving. Enter Mercury. Mercury. Most gracious king and queen of heaven. Without, Apollo and Venus stand. Jove. They're welcome ! Let them forthwith enter. Exit Mercury. Enter Apollo and Venu^. Jove ( stepping forward to meet them ). Welcome, Apollo and fair Venus, mother of Love. Apollo and Venus. Ave, great Jove. Apollo goes on to pay his respects to Minerva. Juno. Aye, but where is Love ? Venus ( with a laugh and shrug of the shoulders ). Oh Cupid ! He has been so occupied with Peleus and Thetis for the last few days, that I have scarcely had an opportunity to see him. Enter MERCURY. Mercury. Most gracious King — Enter Bacchus with a merry laugh and without wait- ing to be announced. Exit Mercury. Bacchus. Sings, " Landlord fill the flowing bowl Until it doth run over, For to-day we'll merry, merry be And to-morrow we'll be sober ! " Jove {pointing threateningly to his thunderbolts^. Si- lence, Bacchus ! see'st thou not yonder thunderbolts .' Hold thy peace ! Enter Mercury. Mercury. Thetis and Peleus wait thy will. Bacchus {aside, while Jove nods acquiescence to Mer- cury, who retires). Phew ! Father Jove is not going to stand any fooling from me. Queen Juno looks rather touchy, too. Hope I don't put my foot into it as I usually do ! Enter Peleus and Thetis. Jove. Hail to the bridegroom and his bride ! All. Ave ! ave ! ave ! Bacchus. Tiger ! ! Apollo {casting a look of scorn at Bacchus, and lightly touching the strings of his lyre, sings, addressing himself to- Peleus and Thetis), Hail to Love as it enters now, Welcome Love, welcome Love ! May it strong and tender grow — Gentle breezes ever blow, May it trouble never know, Hail to immortal love ! Chorus. Welcome love ! welcome love ! Hail to immortal love ! Apollo. Hail to love in its purity, Welcome love, welcome love. May it firm, confiding be. May it bind in sympathy. Then 'twill keep its majesty. Hail to immortal love ! Chorus. Welcome love ! welcome love ! Hail to immortal love ! JovE. Bravo, Apollo ! {He then turns with Juno to- say a few words to the much embarrassed lovers.) Bacchus {slapping Apollo on the back). Well done,. ' Poll,' old boy. I couldn't have done better myself! Minerva. No! Nor half so well. (T'o Apollo.) I congratulate you, sir. Apollo. Oh, pray don't mention it. Jove. Rings. Enter Mercury. Mercury, pray how's the banquet .? Will't ,be ready soon, or must we Longer calm the inner god 1 In Truth he clamors loud within me. Prithee hasten, that we starve not. Mercury. Yea, great Jove, 'tis nearly ready. He is about to retire. Juno {beckons to him). {Aside.) Pause oh Mercury, and answer Have you quite distilled the nectar } Is th' ambrosia all prepared .>" Mercury. Yea, oh queen, th' ambrosia's cooling. Ganymede will serve the nectar. Juno. Part the drapery, we'll enter! Bacchus {very pompously beckoning Mercury a«aif)_ Pause, oh Mercury, and tell me. Knoweth Kimball that you're off.'' Bacchus laughs while Mercury turning away in dis- gust, parts the curtains. Jove taking Thetis by the handy leads the way. He is followed by Peleus and Juno, Bacchus and Minerva, Apollo and Venus. As the curtains are withdrawn, Hebe and Ganymede are dis- covered, the former standing behind Juno's throne, the latter behind Jove's. In the extreme rear is the chorus.. The guests sing as they enter the banquet room,. Chorus. Come, we'll march to the banquet hall, Cheer and plenty await us all. There we'll feast while the morning wanes, Gods have stomachs as well as brains. ( Then as they stand around the table ^ Sing to Jove, to our mighty King — A hungry god is a dreadful thing — Hail his cooks and his dainty " spread ' — Gods are godliest when well fed. They then recline at the table. As they sing the last line enter Mars. Finding no one in the drawing room, and hearing the voices, he proceeds to the banquet room. 13 Jove. Ah, Mars, glad to see you ! we were just sitting down to a little family breakfast in honor of Peleus and Thetis. Come in and join us. Mars. Thanks, awfully ! I will. Juno. Mercury, make haste, relieve him Of his shield and of his javelin ! Mercury does as commanded, and Mars reclines between Venus and Peleus, who make room for Mm. Mars (to Peleus). Hm ! Congratulations ! Long and happy life ! Peleus. Thank you, great Mars, I — Mars (to Venus, with a nod). Good morning, Venus ! Venus. Salve, great Mars — Oh ! you dreadful god! See that horrid stain upon your armor ! Mars. Little wonder, madam ! Blood's my trade- mark ! Meanwhile Jove has been serving the ambrosia, which has, by this time, been passed to nearly all the guests. Bacchus (at further end of table). Oh, I say. Mars, you don't eat ambrosia, do you.? Mars. No! Ambrosia don't make muscles! Give me rare roast beef ! Jove. Sorry that we have none, but we don't keep it on Olympus, you know. You like nectar, do you not ? Mars. Yea ! great King, wine gives fire to the spirit and life to the blood. Nectar is wholesome. Bacchus. Well; Mars does know a thing or two after all. (To Minerva). Did you hear what he said about wine just now? Minerva. Oh yes, I heard. But doubtless he knows when he has had enough. 14 Bacchus. By Jove, then, he's lucky ! I never knew the time when I'd had enough. Venus. How delicious this ambrosia is ! Is it not, Thetis ? Thetis. Yes indeed, I do not think that I ever saw the meal whiter or finer. Juno. Indeed ? I am glad you like it. Jove. We had to wait long enough for it though. Venus. Ah ? But " though the mills of the gods grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small." Jove. Yes, that is very true, but some day I hope that a " patent roller process " will be introduced so that they can work a little faster. Jove sips his nectar. Chorus. "Old Jove his nectar sipping. From golden goblets dripping. The other gods outstripping, In royal revelry." He puts down his goblet, and the conversation is renewed. Bacchus. By all the vinyards of Athens ! Apollo, yoa have twice as much water as nectar. Apollo. Yea, Bacchus, you are right. Methinks that wine — though at best a mischievous fellow — is safe only with two water-nymphs to guard him. Bacchus. Oh, very pretty — but like most of your poetry more beauty than sense. All now begin to eat, and the conversation ceases, or becomes low, being carried on only between neighbors. Enter The Muse of History, very cautiously, through the window, with her note book in hand. She whisperSy addressing the audience — IS Muse of History; I heard that Jove would give a " feed " Of items I did stand in need, And, though he frowned, you see I came, — Indeed, I "got there just the same." She then, unseen by the company, peeps around the cur- iam, taking down in her note book a list of the guests, viands, ■etc. While she is so occupied, enter Goddess of Discord If air disheveled, torn garments. Goddess of Discord, Lo, I have come Like a brand of fire. Borne by the Fates With undying ire; Making discord Is my work in life. Waging with peace An eternal strife. Jove, in his pride. Thought to pass me by — Others are asked And neglected l! I'll disturb him In his fine repast! Jove ! I have come With my sword at last! She turns to hurl an apple which she takes from her j>ocket on to the banquet table. Muse of History {aside). Phew! Here is a '^double header" for me! As the apple falls upon the table the god- desses shriek. Bacchus {picking it up). By the gods! whence came this thing! i6 Mars. What is it — grape shot? Bacchus. No, you old pensioner, it's nothing but an apple. Mars. If you don't keep still, young fellow, you'll get hurt! Minerva. Let me see it, Bacchus. Is it good to eat ? Bacchus. No, ma'am. It's made of gold ! Venus. Oh look, there are some letters; read what it says, Bacchus. Bacchus (Slowly spelling it out). To — the — fairest! Juno. Then it is mine ! Pass it over, Bacchus. Minerva. Why, Juno! I am surprised! It says to the fairest — That means mej Venus (witA dignity). I am amazed sA such unheard of presumption. Bacchus you will please hand me the apple. Peleus. Well, really now, Mr. Bacchus, I don't want to appear too bold, nor to make any trouble, but it does seem to me that Thetis is the fairest. Venus, Juno, Minerva. Thetis! Apollo. Ah, Peleus, you must remember that jc^« are prejudiced, You see with the eyes of love. But I should think that Bacchus would decide for himself. Minerva, Venus and Juno. So should I {each put- ting out a hand). Bacchus! Mars. Hm! This is really becoming interesting — Minerva, Venus and Juno. Bacchus !! Jove {who has been drowsy). Here, hold your peace ! {to Bacchus). Now sir, what is the matter? Bacchus. Why sir, I have an apple, which — Minerva, Venus and Juno. Belongs to me ! Jove. Silence! all of you! {to Thetis). To^hom does it belong, Thetis ? I? Thetis. Well, oh Jove, Peleus said it should be mine — Minerva, Venus and Juno. Yours! Jove. Silence! Ganymede, perhaps you can tell us, to whom the apple belongs. , Ganymede (urged on by Hebe). Yea, oh King, it be- longs to — Hebe. Jove (desperately'). Apollo, at your peril, answer truly, to whom does the apple belong? Apollo. Bacchus, oh King, said that it should go to the fairest, and so — Jove, (sighing) Oh the Fates forbid ! now I see it all. Bacchus, give me the apple ! Bacchus does as commanded. Minerva. Now, papa, if you will give me the apple, I will put it — Juno. Peace, Minerva ! (to Jove) Sire, I demand that apple. Jove. Madam, you forget whom you are addressing. You demand nothing ! (to the others) I fear that we had better adjourn — Juno, (rising from the table in great wrath.) You old tyrant ! (leading the way into the drawing room, fol- lowed by all the company, Jove excepted^ Oh, where- fore am I queen of heaven, if I have no power (turning to Minerva, she sings): Finale. Away, oh goddess from my sight. For / am queen, and have a right To drive thee from these fair domains, And bid thee live where Pluto reigns — MiNEKVA. Indeed, oh queen I'll not away; Think you I fear to disobey ? You're angry now because you know The apple must to beauty go — Venus. And hence I claim the golden prize — Oh gods in justice use your eyes ! For is not mine the fairest face, And mine the most enchanting grace ? Juno and Minerva. No ! Venus, Minerva and Juno.* I am fairest of the three, What are you compared to me ? See, oh see, my form divine; See, oh see, each curving line. All must note my beauty rare, You are neither Aa// so fair. £ai:A proudly turns her back on the others. Goddess of Discord. Oh I adore A big uproar And anger sore ! These / adore. Mars. Oh I adore A lovely war. With lots of gore,! That / adore. They shake hands. Mars and Discord. Oh, we would advise A fight for the prize. Jove, {from the banquet room., parting the curtains). Recit. Silence, ye immortals ! ( Stepping down toward tfie front of the stage). This row is disgracing, Tis really abasing, Such quarrels I never have seen. 19 For a question so simple, A curve or a dimple Makes beauty. Now what can it mean 1 Of one thing I'm certain We'll soon draw the curtain To shut out an unpleasant sight, To Paris I'll send you, On justice depend you, I'm sure that his judgment is right. {To Mercury). Good Mercury, go thou, And prithee to show, now. The way, to these rivals three, And I and the others ( Their sisters and brothers) Will follow soon after thee. Minerva, Venus and Juno. Yes, to Paris we will go, Shepherds have good taste we know. He the question shall decide In his judgment we confide. On the morrow / shall be Fairest of the fairest three. Chorus. If to-morrow each would be Fairest of the fairest three, All had belter haste away Ere to morrow is to-day. Thus to make, in each boudoir. Faces fairer than before, By applying never mind ! Women know, but men are blind. CURTAIN. ACT II. Scene. A pasture on the slopes of Mt. Ida, a forest in the background, and a rustic throne on one side of th e stage. Enter, with Paris, a chorus of Shepherds. The leader carries a banner bearing the words " United Order of Shepherds." Chorus. Hail, all hail, to Paris our chief ! Quickly now he'll find us relief; Shout, oh shout his glorious name Till the mountains ring with his fame ! {Paris ascends the throne). Hail oh Paris, Paris our knight, Vict'ry's sure, for we're in the right ! Henceforth only eight hours a day — Eight hours labor and ten hours pay. Paris. Paris, the knight am I ! Chief Master Shepherd I ! " Capital's got to die ! " Thai is our battle cry. (Jo shepherds). Say, am I right, am I ? Chorus. Aye, Aye, Aye, Aye ! Paris. Knights of Assembly One Come, tell me, what's to be done ? Boycotts have often won — Striking is lots of fun, Answer me, what's to be done ? Chorus. We'll strike, Here's fun ! Enter Shepherdesses, singing. Father Pan is guarding our flocks- FiRST Shepherdess {seeing the Shepherds). Oh, Girls ! {they turn to run away). Shepherds. No ! No ! Don't run away ! What are you afraid of ? First Shepherdess. We were going to sacrifice to Pan First Shepherd. Well, wait a minute, and we will go to. They stop to pick up their crooks, which had been laid down in the excitement of the meeting. Second Shepherdess. But where are your flocks .' Paris. Same to you, my pretty maid. We have none ! Shepherdesses. No flocks ! Second Shepherdess. What do you mean .? Second Shepherd. Why, we've struck ! First Shepherdess. Struck ! struck what ? First Shepherd. A holiday. Each Shepherd, except Paris, then takes a girl and they go merrily off the stage singing : Chorus. Striking's really excellent fun, Tra la la la la la la la. Nought to do until we have won, Tra la la la la la la la. Nought to do but to dance and sing, Tra la la la la la la la. Freedom's sweeter than anything, Tra la la la la la la la. The singing, becoming fainter in the distance, dies away. Paris {alone — seating himself on the ground). Yes, by Jove ! freedom is sweet. Sweeter than anything / know •of. That is why I voted for Free Trade. Well, here I am, free at last, without a sheep to care for, or a friend to disturb me, with nothing to do but to sleep and dream •of heaven. He goes to sleep. Enter Mercury, cautiously looking around. Having found the coast clear he retires to the edge of the forest and beckons. Enter Juno, Minerva and Venus. They stand in line iefore Paris, who ttill sleeps. Mercury (touching Paris with his wand). Awake ! Oh Paris, son of Priam — awake ! Paris., slowly awakening, rubs his eyes, dazzled at the sight before him. Paris. Can I be sleeping, or is my soul wandering amid the Olympian shades ? Are they goddesses 1 He reaches out to touch the hem of Juno's garment. Juno. Back ! thou mortal, lest thou defile an immor- tal goddess. (He starts!) Mercury. Paris, son of Priam, listen ! I am Mercury, and bid thee Pay good heed to all I tell thee. Look ! before thee standeth Juno, Queen of heav'n, and Jove's loved consort. With her, Jove's fair daughter standeth. See, Minerva, Wisdom's goddess ! Next behold sweet Venus, Love's own Mother, guardian of this headstrong Passion. 23 Enter Muse of History. She says nothing, but goes- quietly to work taking doivn in her note book all that is said,, and pressing as close to the speakers as possible. Mercury {continuing^. On Olympus' lofty Summit, question hath arisen As to who the fairest may be Called, and Jove in perfect wisdom Ordered these contestants, heaven's Richest gems in beauty, that they Go, consult a mortal shepherd. And to his just verdict bow them. They agreed ; and hence, I brought them (Such was Jove's own mandate) hither. So that thou might'st choose the fairest. Jove {in the distance). Haste ! oh, Mercury, come- hither ! Mercury (aside to the others). 'Tis Jove ! {aloud}' coming, sire, coming ! Exit Mercury^ Paris {who has be^n in rather a dazed condition). The fairest ! Ah ! how can I ? Each is fairer than ther others. Minerva. So thought we ; and that thy spirit May untroubled be with choosing, I've bethought me, and now offer (Should you wisely vote that I am Fairest) fame in war, and mighty Wisdom; so, although your sword may Win you glory, laurels, praises many, Even pensions for your family. Yet yoMX pen, with which you'll edit 24 Lengthy papers for the Monthlies, Memoirs of yourself and others, Many drachmas more shall win you ; So that, with your goodly pension. All your days will pass in comfort ; And when death shall free your spirit. Costly stones your grave will cover, And your "Life " in calfskin bindings Shall go down amid the ages. Paris. Then, Oh ! goddess, quick Juno. Hist! oh mortal ! is it thus that Thou would'st give a hasty verdict? Know'st thou not that thy decision — Though it be but mortal — bringeth War in heaven and death to countless Sons of men .' Then listen that thou May'st not answer blindly. I, the spouse of Jove in heaven Promise, if to me thou show'st thy favor, That thou shalt possess a Kingdom; That, in power thou shall be raised Far above an humble shepherd ; And, that as thou once wart tending Docile flocks, so now in wisdom Shalt thou lead the sons of men. But, I pray thee to take warning Should the open bribes of others Lead you into foolish judgment, That I'm queen of earth and heaven. And my unrelenting anger Soon would crush thy mortal body. While thy soul, I'd send with curses Far down in the depths of Hades. 25 (Paris shudders and trembling looks toward Venus for aid.) Venus. Fear thou not her wordy curses; Queens oft threaten what they do not When they've Kings who'st far above them. / had thought that bribes were wicked, And that buying votes were censured, But since civil service seems not Yet at all reformed ; and halting Justice leans too often on a Staff of bribes, I take upon me Now to promise (should I win the Longed for prize) famed Helen, fairest Of all mortal women, for thy Loved and loving bride. Oh, Paris ! Pray consider : what ! ah what is Fleeting fame and martial glory What a Kingdom, when 'tis likened To the love of fairest women ? Can'st thou doubt, or wait in choosing ? Know'st thou not that love's divine, and Born in heaven, while vain ambition's But an earthly, selfish yearning .' Choose then wisely, without fearing Juno's threats, nor vainly yielding To Minerva's petty offers. Enter Mercury. Mercury. Way for Jove, our lord and monarch ! (with a glance aside to the three goddesses and Paris). Better not let Jove see this wire pulling, or there will be a suspension for offensive partisanship. Way for Jove, our lord and monarch ! Enter Jove, followed by Bacchus, Apollo, Mars, Peleus and Thetis and full chorus As he enters, the 3 26 three goddesses make low curtesies and Paris humbly kneels. Chorus (entering). Speedily, speedily, Jove for guide, Down we have come on the mountain side, Out from Olympus and down below, Coming to see the great beauty show. Speedily, speedily, Merrily, merrily, Down we have come to see Who of the deities. Feminine deities. Fairest of all will be. Jove. Arise ! oh mortal ! Fear thou not; But rather feel thou honored much Among the sons of men, in that Thou'st chosen Judge among the gods Of Mount Olympus. Fear thou not ! But judge with justice; let not bribes Corrupt thy soul, lest I in wrath Should hurl my bolts of thunder, and With mighty nod, should seal thy doom. Moreover, pray remember that A public office, also is A public trust, which man must not betray. Paris. Oh ! king and god, thou who hast power over mortal and immortal. Help me so to judge f {Turning to the others). I, Paris, after due deliberation, And by the power that's vested in me, do now Award the prize for beauty unto Venus, The fairest of immortal goddesses ! Chorus. Ave ! ave ! 27 Jove. Hail, fair Venus ! most beautiful of Jove's loved