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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 391 VIVALDI. A GRAND BALLET, IN T W O PARTS. ARGUMENT. IVALDI and Orsano, Venetian noblemen, having conceived an inordinate passion for Rosamond, daughter of the Doge, avow their affection for her. Orsano having been rejected, and perceiving the preference given to his rival, resolves to rid himself of Vivaldi, unmindful of every consequence that might ensue. He accuses him, as well as his father, of treacherous designs against the state ; and on the false evidence brought against them, the two innocent noblemen were condemned unheard. The mother of Rosamond, affected by the situation in which her daughter and her affianced husband are placed, consents to a private celebration of their nuptials. Vivaldi and his family quit Venice, and retire to Sicily till the decree of death issued against them shall be revoked. Vivaldi's father having through grief terminated his mortal career, his son, leaving the asylum which sheltered him from his persecutors, goes (under the name of Fernando) to offer his services to the King of Spain. Vivaldi having, by his martial achievements and noble sentiments, acquired the favour of Charles V., that monarch conferrs on him the most honourable distinctions in the army. Honoured by the confidence of his sovereign, he unbosoms himself to him and reveals to him his real name, and informs him of his ardent desire to avenge his father. The King approves of his designs and promises to serve him. The republic of Venice standing at this period in need of a captain, whose superior talents should stand forth as a bulwark against her enemies, the Emperor profits of the opportunity, and offers the Senate the services of Vivaldi to command the troops of the republic. The lover of Rosamond, still retaining his fictitious name, having signalized himself by his exploits 25 * |