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Show 396 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. rogates him respecting Rosamond, the object of his attachment ; requests to know whether she mourns his absence ; he is informed that she is a prey to the most poignant sorrow, and that her affections remain unaltered. This consoles Vivaldi ,• he gives his friend a letter, beseeching him to deliver it to Rosamond with the utmost secrecy (the purport of the epistle is to inform her that he has returned to Venice); after embracing Vivaldi, Alfieri retires. A n officer enters to announce that Vivaldi's guards have arrested a stranger, whose appearance and intentions have appeared suspicious to them, and that they have found on him a letter and a ring, which the officer delivers into Vivaldi's hands; he discovers, on perusing the letter, that it is Orsano's hand-writing, and that it discloses the proceedings of a conspiracy against the state; the ring is intended to extricate the bearer from every difficulty. A n opportunity now presents itself to Vivaldi to declare his sentiments and to perform a noble action; he orders the stranger who has been arrested to be conducted to him, and that no mention is to be made of what passes in this interview with him ; Abelino, escorted by guards, enters ; his terrific aspect and singular dress fill Vivaldi with surprise. He interrogates him as to himself, Abelino hesitates to reply, but on Vivaldi's threatening him with death, he, terrified, consents to satisfy Vivaldi's inquiries on condition of his life being spared. To this Vivaldi, prompted by personal interest, agrees ; Abelino acknowledges that he is a bandit, that he is come to Venice, on Orsano's invitation, to assassinate the Doge and the principal persons of the state. The soul of Vivaldi is moved with indignation; he pauses a moment, smiles at an idea which arises in his mind, and |