SONG.
I.
When Diana comes down the plain,
Tontain, tontain,
It is to seek Acteon,
Tontain, tonton!
It is near the clear fountain,
Tontain, tontain,
That Diana met Acteon,
Tontain, tonton.
II.
This morning, down in the plain,
Tontain, tontain,
I went seeking Acteon,
Tontain, tonton!
But alas! near the fountain,
Tontain, tontain,
He has not come, my Acteon,
Tontain, tonton!
Poor Acteon! what has become of him? He was there every morning, hidden behind the willows, whilst I . . . . Ah! I used to see him right well!
Ju. What has become of him? I can tell you. The whole affair was immoral. You were getting compromised with the young man. I got rid of him.
Di. And how?
Ju. I changed him into a stag; and in order to keep your name fair, I spread among the mortals the rumor that it was through your request that I had thus disorganized Acteon. I said that you deemed his curiosity indiscreet . . . .
Di. But I did not!
Jup. I said so for the honor of mythology. By heavens! children, the feeble mortals are wide awake. Let us save appearances, at least. All is there.
Di. Do you save them, yourself?
Jun. Has he been playing more pranks?
Jup. No, no, dear Juno. Slanders, nothing but slanders. It is newspaper men who spread all this, in order to injure my reputation. Enough of this. Let every one do their work before savoring of nectar and ambrosia—(murmurs)—and let nobody miss the breakfast. Go! Methinks I heard some of you murmuring. It is not the first time it has occurred . . . .
Cup. Say, maman, do you think this can go on this way!
Ven. He is getting to be a real bore.
