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Show 384 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. fore him, and he places a coronet of flowers on her head. Theophania expresses her gratitude, while the whole company applaud the choice of Alcander, and regard the nymph as worthy of presiding over the worshippers of Ceres, both from her rank and chastity. Curling clouds of smoke now arise from the incense lighted up by the priests. Thrasimedes is discovered in a torment of anxiety, he perceives insurmountable obstacles to their union; Theophania, by her gestures, evinces a mutual concern ; they exchange significant looks, but dare proceed no further; all hope, however, has not forsaken them, and they are supported by love. Narses encourages them, and by certain signs counsels them to dissimulate. Alcander, his daughter, and the priests, take their seats near the myrtle bower and preside at the feast. Universal homage is done to the Goddess of the golden grain, and prayers are put up for the welfare of Theophania ; a Divertissement; after which Alcander commands to depart, and retires, accompanied by his daughter. The nymphs and shepherds, carrying their garlands and wheat-ear coronets, their myrtle branches and torches, playing also on cymbals, flutes, and other instruments, follow their Queen and Governor in dancing measures. Thrasimedes and his friend remain and appear plunged in gloomy meditation. Having recovered themselves they seem engaged in forwarding their enterprise; Narses expresses to his prince certain hopes, with which he is inspired, and advises Thrasimedes to withdraw to avoid suspicion, while he himself will endeavour to advance his interests. |