OCR Text |
Show 382 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. ACT I. An extensive prospect ; in the distance mountains are seen, the sides of which are adorned by cof>ses of trees and winding rivulets. On one of the declivities there is a little enclosure of myrtles and laurels, decorated with garlands, ears of corn, and instruments of husbandry ; from the midst of these rises the statue of Ceres, she holds in her hand two lighted torches, and is seated in a chariot drawn by serpents. SCENE I.- Thrasimedes and Narses are perceived upon the mountains disguised as shepherds; the former is hastening to meet his love, and he expresses his delight at again beholding the spot upon which they are accustomed to meet daily. H e intrusts Narses with his love secret, on understanding which, the latter appears surprised ; Thrasimedes continues, that, being deeply enamoured of the Governor's daughter, he wishes to pursue his intentions habited as a shepherd, and so to owe his conquest rather to personal qualifications than to those of rank; Narses approves the project, and offers his faithful services in assisting his prince; while the latter solemnly protests his fidelity to Theophania. He recommends to Narses a conduct of the utmost caution, and desires him to be ever prepared to execute his commands ; the former promises to obey, and retires. Thrasimedes evinces all the anxiety of an expecting lover. S C E N E II.-A slight noise is heard, seeming to indicate the approach of Theophania ; Thrasimedes hastens to discover whence it proceeds; the maid appears, and flies to the arms of her beloved. By turns they express to each other the feelings of their hearts; and before the |