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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 383 image of the chaste Ceres they vow eternal constancy, and invoke her protection. They call the Goddess to witness the purity of their love, and entreat her to preside at their union. They now betake themselves to the delights of the dance, in which every attitude does but the more clearly develope their sentiments. The arrival of the companions of Theophania interrupts their pleasure, and they take a hasty leave of each other, promising soon to revisit that spot. Thrasimedes seeks his friend Narses, and Theophania hastens to meet her companions, who are coming to prepare a ceremony which is to take place in this part. S C E N E III. A troop of nymphs appear, bearing branches of myrtle in their hands, and crowned with chaplets of wheat-ears. They enter dancing, led on by Theophania. The procession to Ceres advances in sight; priests and shepherds are uniformly crowned with corn, each carrying a myrtle branch. These are followed by Alcan-der accompanied by his officers of government. The procession being fully arrived it halts, and all do obeisance to the Governor, awaiting his commands. While this is passing, Thrasimedes and Narses intermingle with the shepherds unperceived, and take part in the solemnities. Alcander invokes the Goddess ; and the whole assembly implore her to be propitious, and to preside at the feast about to be celebrated by Theophania, as mistress of the religious ceremonies. The Governor now causes his daughter to approach him ; she advances, agitated at finding herself in a situation which excludes every sentiment of love. Being aware of her own feelings, she fears her father may perceive the cause; but the latter attributes them to a mixture of modesty and awe; he embraces and encourages her; she bends be- |
