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Show 446 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. illumines the darkness of her illusory passion ; a superhuman fury takes possession of her soul, and she plunges into the gloomiest depths of the forest to mature malignant designs of revenge, her sole delight. S C E N E V.-Alidor has informed Silvia of the ungovernable passion with which the Sorceress burns for him. The gentle pair, dreading the effects of her infuriated jealousy, determine to save themselves by flight, and conjure heaven to assist and protect them. As they are about to escape, Aldegonde presents herself, and prevents their progress. Struck with terror, they fall at her feet. She raises them, and assures them of her friendship, and, embracing Silvia gently, blames them for their intended flight. She informs them that the love she had expressed for Alidor, while alone in the wood, was merely a friendly stratagem to prove the truth of their affection ; in short, she offers to unite them in her palace. Deceived by the allurements of the Enchantress, blinded by love, and deluded by hope, Alidor and Silvia surrender themselves to the direction of their most implacable enemy. S C E N E VI.-Aldegonde waves her wand, and the hunters and huntresses, as by instinct, immediately begin to arrive. Impatient of delay, and fearing the escape of her prey, the Sorceress commands that the unhappy pair be conducted in state to her palace, where the hymeneal ceremony is to be performed with suitable pomp. A slow march is played, when all withdraw but Aldegonde. S C E N E VII.-The Sorceress finding herself alone, gives vent to all the jealous ire with which she is filled. At length, to soothe and satisfy her rage, she has recourse to the aid of her art. Invocation. Raising her wand, it changes to the shape of a circle ; she then indicates with it the four points of the horizon, and striking the earth, the rod resumes its former shape. A thick cloud now wraps |