ERIPHYLE, _a princess, daughter to_ ARISTIONE.

CLEONICE, _confidante to_ ERIPHYLE.

_A sham_ VENUS, _acting in concert with_ ANAXARCHUS.



THE MAGNIFICENT LOVERS.



FIRST INTERLUDE.

_The scene opens with the pleasant sound of a great many
instruments, and represents a vast sea, bordered on each side by four
large rocks. On the summit of each is a river god, leaning on the
insignia usual to those deities. At the foot of these rocks are twelve
Tritons on each side, and in the middle of the sea four Cupids on
dolphins; behind them the god AEOLUS floating on a small cloud above
the waves. AEOLUS commands the winds to withdraw; and whilst four
Cupids, twelve Tritons, and eight river gods answer him, the sea
becomes calm, and an island rises from the waves. Eight fishermen come
out of the sea with mother-of-pearl and branches of coral in their
hands, and after a charming dance seat themselves each on a rock above
one of the river gods. The music announces the advent of NEPTUNE, and
while this god is dancing with his suite, the fishermen, Tritons, and
river gods accompany his steps with various movements and the
clattering of the pearl shells. The spectacle is a magnificent
compliment paid by one of the princes to the princesses during their