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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 387 danger of his prince, he is on the point of discovering the real rank of the latter, when Thrasimedes by a sign intimates that such a proceeding would be useless, and would expose both to the Governors anger. Narses, however, pledges himself to bring his royal friend aid, whatever may be the event of his fate; he further motions him to confide in his zeal, retires unnoticed, and flies to effect the deliverance of his prince. The latter and Theophania are conducted away in opposite directions, exchanging, as they are going, mutual expressions of the utmost grief. Alcander, deeply concerned at what has just passed, retires, accompanied by his officers. ACT III. A wild and desert country near Eleusis. The trees on each side the scene stretching their umbrageous branches, intermingle and form a leafy vault. In the centre appears an image of Ceres, before whom an altar of incense is burning. This gloomy abode is the place destined for the punishment of criminals. SCENE I.-A funeral march is heard ; priests enter advancing slowly ; they surround the statue of Ceres, w h om they seem to supplicate, as they bend in worship before her. Shepherds appear conducting Thrasimedes; they are followed by a troop of nymphs, and Alcander walks in the rear. The procession being fully arrived, the shepherds place themselves on one side, the nymphs on the other. Nothing appears to move Thrasimedes but the idea of an eternal separation from her he loves ; this alone breaks his heart, and suffuses his eyes with tears. |