Psyche | Page 4

thrall.
CID. I guess it. We may presume that some mystery is hidden under it.
This secret of captivating everybody is not an ordinary effect of nature;
the Thessalian art must be mixed up in it, and, doubtless, some one has
given to her a charm by which she makes herself beloved.
AGL. My opinion is founded on a more solid basis, and the charms by
which she draws all hearts to herself are a demeanour at all times free
of reserve; caressing words and looks; a smile full of sweetness, which
invites everyone, and promises them nothing but favours. Our glory is
departed; and that lofty pride which, by a full observance of noble trials,
exacted a proof of the constancy of our lovers, exists no longer. We
have degenerated, and are now reduced to hope for nothing unless we
throw ourselves into the arms of the men.
CID. Yes, that is the secret; and I see that you understand it better than
I. It is because we cling too much to modesty, sister, that no lovers
come to us; it is because we try to sustain too strictly the honour of our
sex and of our birth. Men, nowadays, like what comes easily to them;
hope attracts them more than love; and that is how Psyche deprives us
of all the lovers we see under her sway. Let us follow her example, and
suit ourselves to the times; let us stoop, sister, to make advances, and
let us no longer keep to those dull morals which rob us of the fruits of
our best years.
AGL. I approve of this idea; and we have an opportunity of making a
first trial of it upon the two princes who have last arrived. They are
charming, sister, and to me their whole person.... Have you noticed
them?
CID. Ah! Both are formed in such a mould that my soul.... They are
perfect, my sister.

AGL. I think we might seek their affections without dishonour to
ourselves.
CID. I think that, without shame, a beautiful princess might bestow her
heart upon them.
AGL. Here they both are. I admire their manners and attire.
CID. They in no way fall short of all that we have said of them.

SCENE II.--CLEOMENES, AGENOR, AGLAURA, CIDIPPE.
AGL. Wherefore, princes, wherefore do you thus hasten away? Does
our appearance fill you with fear?
CLE. We were led to believe, Madam, that the Princess Psyche might
be here.
AGL. Has this place no longer any charm for you if it is not adorned by
her presence?
AGE. This place may be pleasant enough, but in our impatience we
would find the Princess Psyche.
CID. Something very important must doubtless be urging you both to
seek her.
CLE. The motive is powerful enough, since our happiness depends
entirely upon her.
AGL. Might we be allowed to inquire into the secret implied by these
words?
CLE. We do not pretend to make a mystery of it. Indeed, it would show
itself in spite of us; and the secret, Madam, does not last long when it is
love.
CID. Without further words, Princes, it means that you are both in love
with Psyche.
AGE. We are both under her sway, and we go with one accord to
declare our passion to her.
AGL. It is certainly something quite new, and rather odd, to see two
rivals so well agreed.
CLE. It is true that the thing is rare; but it is not impossible for two
perfect friends.
CID. In this spot, is she the only fair one, and can you find none other
with whom to divide your admiration?
AGL. Amongst all the nobly born, is she the only one whom your eyes
deem worthy of your tenderness?

CLE. Do we reason when we fall in love? Do we choose the object of
our attachment? And when we bestow our hearts, do we weigh the right
of the fair one to fascinate us?
AGE. Without having the power of choosing, we follow in such a
passion something which delights us; and when love touches a heart,
we have no reasons to give.
AGL. Indeed, I pity the painful troubles to which I see your hearts
expose themselves. You love one whose bright charms will mingle
grief with the hopes they hold out to you, and whose heart will not
fulfil all that her eyes promise.
CID. The hope which calls you into the rank of her lovers will
experience many disappointments in the favours she bestows; and the
fitful changes of her inconstant heart will cause you many painful
hours.
AGL. A clear discernment of your worth makes us pity the fate into
which this passion will lead you; and if you wished, you could both
find a more constant