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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 371 by promising to spare the life of her lover. Rage, instead of grief, now possesses the bosom of Azim ; he swears to release her from his hated bonds, and to deliver the earth from such a monster. Nothing can appease the anger of Azim ; he is ready to attempt any thing. Zelica succeeds in calming his rage, persuading him that great prudence is necessary, without which they are both lost. Kaled enters in haste ; he seeks for Mokanna to inform him of the approach of the Caliph at the head of his army, coming to engage the followers of the new sect. Azim and Zelica hasten to embrace him. Kaled bestows a blessing on their union. He discovers their painful anxiety, and desires to be informed of the cause of it. Azim explains to him the infamous character and horrible designs of Mokanna. Amazement of Kaled ! Recovering, he throws himself into the arms of his children, and communicates to them with what horror Mokanna's character inspires him. They now appear greatly embarrassed. The time presses, and Azim engages his love and her father to seek safety by flight, and immediately to secure means of complete and speedy revenge. Mokanna has appeared, he observes them and discovers their design. At the moment they are going to escape, he arrests their progress, gets possession of Zelica, and, by a menacing gesture, recalls to her mind the oath she had taken. Zelica trembles, totters, and is on the point of swooning. Kaled and Azim draw their poniards and rush upon the infamous seducer. But he, anticipating them, calls his guards, and commands them to be secured. Kaled and Azim vainly endeavour to defend themselves, they are made prisoners ; while Mokanna, menacing them with the most cruel revenge, drags off Zelica. The approach of the Caliph's army is announced. Sud- |