The Rabbit and the Snake

Peter Semyenich guides the audience through his arch seduction of Marysyas Nemenov, wife of his friend, Leon Nemenov since Leon has grown indifferent to his wife, Peter plants flattering compliments in Marysyas's thoughts by telling Leon how attractive, intelligent, charming and graceful his wife is. Leon foolishly tells Marysyas all that Peter has said. Leon thinks all of Peter's compliments are exaggerations and treats Peter's feelings as a big joke. But alas, Marysyas slowly succumbs to the flattery. All of this culminates in the final seduction when Marysyas and Peter finally embrace in ecstasy.