SOPHENE AND SOPHOCLES. 131 



Sophene, approached me. After having paid to each other the 

 duties required by hospitality, we stepped into the hall of entertain- 

 ment, which corresponded with the magnificence of the master. I 

 was compelled to take the first place : the second was for Im- 

 lacca, who had accompanied me Imlacca, the best of my 

 friends, or rather my other self. Next us sat a priest of Jupiter, 

 Sosthenes, and Panthia. As for Sophene, she stood up. Her father 

 had given her the charge of filling out the wine. Such in heaven is 

 Hebe filling the nectar for the gods. At first the turn of the con- 

 versation was serious. My hosts praised and extolled me : I replied 

 modestly ; but there was something uneasy in me. Imlacca took 

 notice of it; he pitied my trouble, and changed the discourse. In- 

 nocent gaiety was diffused throughout the company. Sophene, a 

 golden cup in her hand, drew near, and presented me with it ; I 

 blushed, looked down, and durst not take it. Imlacca said to me, 

 " You are to begin." Ashamed, young as I was, to receive so many 

 marks of distinction, I obeyed. I drank to the name of Jupiter ; 

 every one did the same after me. 



Hardly had I yet looked upon Sophene. Grave minister of the 

 gods, I was busied only in acting up to my dignity. A glance from 

 my eyes met hers, a " sweet surprise" mixed with admiration over- 

 spread my face with a modest blush ; I fixed my sight upon her, and 

 could not take it off. However, it was but a pure or rather an 

 involuntary homage I paid to her beauty. My heart had no share 

 in it ; it was yet unmoved. But a second time Sophene presented 

 me with wine, my hand touched hers ; by an irresistible transport I 

 pressed it. , It was long before I received the cup ; but, methinks, 

 she was longer yet in giving it to me. What became of us in that 

 moment I do not know. How can one express what one does not 

 know *? We were remarked. Panthia cast upon her a severe look ; 

 she trembled at it. By a severer look Sosthenes completed her 

 trouble. I was so bewildered that I did not perceive it. Imlacca 

 brought me to my senses. On a sudden, like a man who awakes 

 on the brink of a precipice, I became conscious of my imprudence, 

 but I could not repent it. We were for a while silent. Imlacca 

 trembled for me, I for Sophene, and she for herself. At last, a little 

 recovered, Sosthenes applied to me. Why in a day consecrated to 

 merriment do we yield to sorrow? Is it thus we honour Jupiter? 

 Is it thus that we prepare ourselves to solemnize his feast? Show 

 us that you share in the pleasure you afford us. At these words all 

 trouble vanished. Serenity returned upon Sophene's face, and my 

 tranquillity was restored to me. She tendered me the cup many 

 times; I took it calmly, and gave it back with the circumspection of 

 a man who suspects his actions are scrutinized. After some cheerful 

 discourse, I took up a lyre, and sang Minerva's birth, the defeat of 

 the Titans, the punishment of Lycaon, and the reward of Philemon. 

 I described the sovereign of the gods seated on his throne amidst 

 the Immortals, making heaven and earth tremble with a frown, and 

 with a softened look confirming the universe upon its basis a dream. 



Applauses interrupted me ; it was late ; the company broke up. 

 As I was led into the apartment designed for me, I saw Sophene 

 entering. Three slaves attended her. Their beauty could only be 



