| OCR Text |
Show 320 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. old man and his wife immediately grant him an asylum, and Sidonius passes for their son. H e is then presented to Dorisbe, who receives him graciously, and Sidonius endeavours to attract her attention by the amiability of his conduct, and by offering a bouquet of flowers recently gathered. Already does the young Princess feel a certain pleasure in beholding the youth, who soon perceives this, and becomes inspired with a modest confidence. He plays upon certain instruments, dances, and evinces qualities far above his apparent rank in life. Dorisbe is surprised at such abilities, and examines the pretended shepherd with a pleasing curiosity, while her heart becomes unusually perturbed, and the affection of Sidonius increases. Narbas and Griffe, his wife, inspired by avarice, now advance and remind the supposed peasant of the promised discovery. Sidonius, to appease their avarice, and to gain time for his designs, presents them with a cup of gold, procured, as they imagine, by his knowledge of magic. They seem peculiarly de" lighted with the gift. Here a banquet takes place, at which Sidonius fills the office of cup-bearer, and offers wine to the young Princess. Their eyes encounter each other as by accident, when a certain tender and lively expression informs each of what is passing within. Dorisbe, taking the cup given by Sidonius, admires the beauty of its workmanship, and asks him how he got possession of it ? The shepherd replies that he won it at rustic games. All that Dorisbe sees fills her with suspicion and a curiosity to know more; tranquillity, in short, no longer reigns within her bosom. |
