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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 315 her with death, if she persists in her resolution. Statira points out to him the vengeance of heaven. Transport of rage of Licinius; he completely relapses into his terrible character. H e calls his guards. They enter; Benin is at their head. Constantia, attracted by the noise of this transaction, comes in attended by a part of her retinue. Aware of her husband's disposition, and of the impetuosity of his raging passions, she endeavours to appease him by her prudence, and pretends to be unacquainted with a part of the adventure. But all in vain. Licinius orders Statira to be dragged off and imprisoned. He goes off animated by a desire of vengeance. Constantia deplores her own fate, and that of the her husband's victim. ACT IV. Interior of the temple of Jupiter ; it is adorned with the statues of the principal divinities of Paganism. An altar stands in the middle. SACRIFICE to Jupiter. The Priests burn incense on the altars of their Gods, and religious dances, accompanied by the sound of various musical instruments, celebrate the festival. Licinius, attended by his court and guards, makes his appearance. H e comes to worship his Gods. He orders all his subjects to revere none but them, and to banish every other kind of worship from his territories, under pain of death. They all submit to his will. The ceremony is interrupted by Benin, who comes to announce the escape of the prisoner, favoured by the arms of the Christians. Licinius is in the height of fury. He |
