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Show 388 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. Alcander, standing near the altar of Ceres, addresses that deity, and indicates, as her victim, the m a n who has dared to profane her worship. A universal emotion of terror follows his imprecation. Alcander then makes a sign to Thrasimedes to approach, desiring him to address his last prayer; the young prince prostrates himself, and prepares to receive the cup of death. The poisoned chalice is borne to the Governor, who presents it to Thrasimedes; at the moment that the latter is about to take it a noise is heard. S C E N E II.-Theophania rushes in, presenting a figure in the utmost disorder; she flies to her lover, snatches from him the fatal cup, and falls down at the feet of her father, the whole company appearing astonished at the action ! The Gods, however, seem deaf to her entreaties ; Alcander remains fixed in his resolution, and Thrasimedes must perish. She then flies into the arms of her lover, protesting that no power shall drag her hence; while despair and tenderness are depicted in the countenance of the young prince. Alcander, trembling with rage, commands the guilty pair to be forced asunder, which, after some struggle, is effected ; Theophania swoons and falls into the arms of the attendant nymphs, while Thrasimedes prepares to submit to his fate. Scarcely has he again taken the cup into his hand, when universal attention is attracted by the approaching clash of arms ; a cohort of warriors enters, and the astonished assembly fly for refuge towards the statue of Ceres, while the progress of the execution is again interrupted. S C E N E III.-The brave and faithful Narses, in complete armour, rushes in to save his royal friend, who cannot conceal his joy at such an unexpected deliverance. The warriors beholding with indignation the wretched |