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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 369 and promises her a share in his throne, if she will consent to become the dispenser of human happiness to mortals. H e now proceeds to declare his passion to her. Astonishment of Zelica. The seducer shows marks of his affection, and conjures her to hasten his happiness, by submitting to the divine will. Zelica can scarcely believe what she hears. No longer does she find him the man who could subjugate the mind of the people. Her faith wavers, and she fears the dreadful consequences ; the remembrance of the faithful Azim, too, draws tears from her eyes. The impostor, Mokanna, fearing his prey may escape him, and that his deceptions should be discovered, endeavours to impose upon the young Zelica. He threatens her with the wrath of heaven and the most terrible punishments ; Zelica shudders, but fanaticism still enthrals her. Mokanna perceives that his intentions succeed, and he entreats her to become his for ever. Zelica, driven to despair, at length confesses that her heart is pledged to Azim. The furious rage of Mokanna upon this: and the maiden reads her own fate, and that of Azim also, in the countenance of Mokanna. She throws herself at his feet and implores for mercy. Mokanna is inexorable, and even seems ready to attempt her life, but interested thoughts restrain him, and he promises to let Azim live ; but informs Zelica that she must become his, and commands her to forget all upon the earth, and to take an oath that she will be united to him. The distress of Zelica. Mokanna drags her to a tomb, and forces her to swear by the infernal powers, and by the shades of the dead, to dedicate her life to his service. Zelica, scarcely supporting herself, makes a sign of consent. Upon this, flames dart from the tombs, and a tremendous report resounds through the vault. Zelica, unable longer to endure the emotions produced |