THE Argument of the OPERA.
Theseus, Prince of Athens, having conquer'd
the Minotaur, and by the Means of Ariadne,
Daughter to King Minos, who fell in Love
with him, escap'd out of the Labyrinth, brings
her along with him to Naxos, she hoping he would
marry her, as he had promis'd, before his coming
away; tho' at that instant he design'd otherwise,
having resolv'd an Expedition to OEbalia to steal
away Helena, Daughter to King Tindarus, whom
he was in Love with; they arrive at Naxos,
where Bacchus is newly come from the Conquest of
the Indians, bringing with him Abdalla, and other
Indian Kings, Captive; and where he also meets
his dear Friend Theseus, accompany'd by Pirithous
and Berontus, a Prince of Scythia. Bacchus at
Sight of Ariadne falls in Love with her, which
Theseus favours, gaining thereby a Pretext of leaving
her so well to her Advantage, and furthering
his own Pursuit of Helen. This is plotted and done
at the Triumph of Bacchus, where Ariadne and her
Favourite Cellania, coming to see it, Theseus is
miss'd, being gone with Pirithous, Berontus remaining,
who is newly fal'n in Love with Cellania;
Ariadne rages, weeps, and is in great Distress
for some time; but Bacchus appearing with
his Glory and Courtship, especially presenting her
a Crown, to be made a Constellation, and a Promise
of deifying her, her Tears are afterwards turn'd
to Joy, and the Marriage with great Solemnity
being perform'd, finishes the Opera.
