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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 301 him, which shake his dominions. Thunderbolts and lightnings add to the horrors of the dreadful scene. Every thing announces the approaching fate of Hippolytus ; and Neptune departs satisfied. The vessel conveying Hippolytus and Aricia appears struggling against the fury of the waves ; while the seamen strive in vain to resist their turbulence. The ship is shattered, and becomes the sport of the tempestuous billows. The distress is universal. Every one prepares for death. Hippolytus and Aricia, locked in each other's arms, endeavour to effect an escape, or to find an equal fate. The sea opens and engulfs the vessel. All now appear entombed in the waves. Aricia alone is thrown upon a huge rock ; she moves with pain ; and, gradually recovering, she seeks her lover, but finds him not; his companions have perished, and he must have shared the same fate ; she shudders, her powers fail, and she prepares to die. Suddenly the body of Hippolytus floating on the sea meets her eyes; it is washed by the waves on the rock where she reclines; she throws herself upon the remains of her lover, embraces him, covers him with kisses and tears, and then supplicates the Gods to be permitted to join her lover in death ; thus ending her woes. Theseus and Theramenes, followed by the people, enter in haste, and become witnesses of this terrible spectacle. They surround the body of the unhappy Hippolytus ; and the affliction is universal. Despair has taken possession of Theseus. Each prostrates himself, and implores the mercy of the Gods. The virtues, misfortunes, and prayers of Aricia at length prevail; and the immortals are moved. Melodious music is heard, as the first sign of the favour about to be bestowed. Every circumstance announces the immediate descent of some deity. |