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Show 378 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. theme. Teniers discovers Leopold, but conceals his knowledge. Tunder is tormented by jealousy. The feast is prepared ; the bride and bridegroom take their seats, and dancing begins ; Leopold, meanwhile, seems highly to enjoy the scene. Tunder, after having been with some difficulty prevailed upon, dances in an awkward and grotesque style ; he then requires others to exhibit their abilities in this way, and, taking a fiddle, mounts a tub ; wishing to mark the time with a scientific precision, he stamps with such force, that the top of the tub breaks, and he tumbles heels over head into it; while the whole assembly bursts out into a universal shout of laughter. General Picture. The Archduchess arrives, attended by her suit, and the whole assembly prepare themselves to meet and welcome her; she causes inquiries to be made concerning the Duke, her husband ; the answer is, that no person belonging to the court has been except the officer w h o m they point out to her highness ; upon this Leopold is immediately recognized by all present, and the whole company do homage before him, in great astonishment. The Duke embraces his wife, w ho is equally surprised, and both express their sentiments of condescension and gratitude at the respect paid to them by their subjects. The Duchess having remarked the painting on the sign signifies her wish to know the artist who executed so fine a likeness, and Teniers cannot longer keep concealed, being soon discovered by his royal patroness ; he immediately throws himself at her feet; the Duchess raises and presents him to Leopold as the artist whose departure she had continually regretted. The Duke reproaches him with his retreat from court, and demands what he can do for him. Teniers, with an air of modesty, only desires |