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Show 298 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. with kindness. Hippolytus, taking the hand of his intended bride, advances with religious reverence towards the altar. H e expresses the delight he feels in uniting himself to the object of his heart, and calls heaven to witness the purity of his love. Aricia, overjoyed at the happy event, evinces all the tenderness of affection. The High Priest then unites them, and implores the divine favour for the welfare of so virtuous a couple. The happy pair express their joy. Theramenes, forgetting awhile his grief, partakes of their pleasure. The whole company are delighted. The offerings being placed on the altar, every one supplicates the immortal power favourably to regard the august alliance. The Priests await in solemn silence some manifestation of approval from their divine patroness. The figure of Diana suddenly appears in the skies, and the victim is consumed by sacred fire. T h e joy is universal ! The happy prognostications reanimate every breast. Hippolytus and Aricia, beholding their prayers regarded, take leave, and prepare for departure. Hippolytus embraces his faithful and respected tutor with marks of the fondest attachment. Theramenes desires to accompany him, but the Prince engages him to remain with his father; at which request, tears flow from the eyes of Theramenes. The newly espoused pair, accompanied by their attendants, embark, and the vessel departs from Threzene. Scene changes, presenting that of the Third Act. Theseus appears musing on the unhappy event which destroys the peace of his family ; his looks and gestures are disturbed and agitated. He is assailed by gloomy presentiments, and fears the approaching confusion. He fancies he hears sighs and groans ; and his troubled imagination presents him with sights of woe. He complains |
