Page:The Spirit of French Music.djvu/76

 take back from the master of those regions one of his victims and restore him to the light of day. In reply to the ardent declarations of Pollux, which she rejects with a subtly respectful grace, Telaire demands of him this act of devotion. What is the love of a mere woman to him, a demigod? How can he attach such value to her? Glory is a far greater prize. And how it will shine down all the ages, the glory of this expedition to the world below!

But Telaïre knows not, nor does Pollux, to what conditions the performance of so high a deed is subject—the most terrible of conditions. The liberator of Castor will have to be his substitute with Pluto. He can enter those realms, but he cannot return. Jupiter, whose consent is necessary, reveals to his son the terrible law to which his purpose must submit. He leaves him free master of his decision, not without recalling to his mind and conjuring up before his eyes the charms of life. An agonising conflict takes place in the heart of Pollux. If he remained on earth, might not Telaïre change her mind? Would she persist eternally in her refusal? But fraternal love, chivalrous pride, and the lust of fame carry the day … As Pollux is approaching the entrance of the lower world, difficulties are put in his way by a character whom the author has not managed to incorporate very firmly in the action, though at certain moments she takes a very eloquent part in it; this is young Phoebe, who loves Pollux with an unrequited passion. She has mustered the peoples whom the hero governs to restrain him by their prayers and tears. Pollux does not let his resolve be weakened; he even scatters with sword strokes the crowd of furious demons who bar his way.