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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 339 ACT I. The scene represents a rural retreat consecrated to the God Pan, whose image, together with that of Cupid, adorns the prospect. In the distance the sea is .discovered. Trees of majestic growth and verdant bowers, swelling banks and glittering fountains delight the eye. The silver rays of the moon illumine the landscape. WITHIN the bowers, and beneath the spreading trees, Dryads and Sylvans are reposing. Shepherd swains, each accompanied by his partner, enter dancing to the sound of rustic music. The woodland divinities awaking, join in the dance and celebrate their patron, Pan, and the God of Love. [During this Divertissement, night disappears, and rising day chases the moon beneath the horizon.] Towards the end of these amusements, the sky becomes darkened, and every circumstance indicates an approaching storm. The dances are suspended ; the sea is agitated ; lightnings blaze forth, and the thunder roars; the woodland train hastens away to seek shelter. A vessel appears struggling amidst the waves; it drives towards the shore; unable to resist their fury, it is at length run a-ground, and dashed upon the rocks. A few moments afterwards, Polydore is seen clinging to a wreck of the vessel, and, impelled by the billows, he is at length tossed upon the land. H e appears exhausted by exertion, yet he strives to keep himself on his feet. H e essays to discover on what country he is thrown, but finds no mark of information; he knows not which way to direct his steps, and is ignorant of what may be his fate. The wretched |