Classical Mythology, 7th Edition - obinfonet: dia logou

718 THE SURVIVAL OF CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY
ots who were fighting for a new and independent nation—the fulfillment and
reality of an idealistic vision of freedom—and it celebrates in particular America's
alliance with France in the pursuit of this quest for independence—to be
"great and glorious, wise and free." The libretto for America Independent provides
us with one of our earliest extant, original musical texts, imbued with a patriotism
clothed, very startlingly, in classical allusion. The Minister of France entertained
a "very polite circle of gentlemen and ladies" that included "General
Washington and his lady" with an elegant concert consisting of the "Oratorio,"
written and set to music by Hopkinson. Sarah Bach, the daughter of Benjamin
Franklin, was present at this first performance and could not keep from crying
upon hearing the stirring lines of the Roman goddess Minerva proclaiming that
if the sons of America "united stand, great and glorious shall she be." 16
The work is described in contemporary sources as an oratorical or musical
entertainment; others have labeled it a pageant, dramatic allegorical cantata or
an allegorical political opera; it is even extravagantly claimed to be the first
American grand opera. The scene is set in the temple of Minerva and begins
with the appeals of suppliants for the goddess to reveal the future. Here are a
few excerpted lines from this surprising text:
Great Minerva! Hear our pray'r,
What the Fates ordain, declare;
Thus before thy throne we bow,
Hear, oh Goddess! hear us now.
The High-Priest of Minerva continues the supplication.
Daughter of Jove! from thy resplendent throne,
Look, with an eye of blessing down;
Whilst we our sacred song address . . .
And to thy praise
Our voices raise,
In carols of triumphant joy.
Adore the great daughter of Jove!
Behold, how resplendent with light,
On a cloud, she descends from above . . .
She comes to reply to your pray'r;
And now what the Fates have ordain'd,
Minerva herself shall declare
The Doors of the Sanctuary open; Minerva appears and for the future predicts
happiness and prosperity in these lines:
Jove declares his high command,
Fate confirms the great decree;
If her sons united stand
Great and glorious shall she be. . . .
She, like the glorious sun