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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 431 chief Castilians have assumed absolute authority, routed the Moors, and imperatively demand .the appearance of Alphonso and the death of Zara. Consternation and despair of the two lovers! Time presses, and compels them to adopt some resolution without delay. Alphonso seizes a sword, and seems to hope that his presence will be sufficient to calm the tumult. Zara foresees that her ruin is certain-terror seizes upon her soul-hope abandons her heart. Alphonso is dreadfully troubled to behold her in this state, but every moment is precious ; he presses her with transport to his bosom, and flies to stem the torrent of rebellion, and to save the object of his love. Morico also departs, to assemble the Moors again, and, with them and the other dependants of Zara, to oppose the revolted Spaniards. Zara, after imploring the succour of those who surround her, hastens, accompanied by her suite, to a place of shelter from the popular rage. The scene changes to one of the courts of the Palace ; the city is seen in the distance. Several Moors, pursued by Castilians, cross the scene; a general combat between the people and the partisans of Zara ensues, in which the latter are defeated and driven off; the theatre is left for a moment unoccupied, until the noise of the unequal conflict between the pursued and the pursuing dies away. Zara enters alone; her whole appearance is indicative of terror and despair. She hastily traverses the scene without knowing where to direct her steps. Her very dependants have now abandoned her; she is deserted " by those her former bounty fed;" she has become the object of general execration, and all accuse her of the |