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Show 402 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. the affirmative, and that she has not seen him. Her father upbraids her with her fondness for an exile, a traitor. She weeps. He is enraged at her unworthy attachment. She replies with firmness to his reproaches, that her husband is no traitor, that he is traduced, and that she never would have united herself with one capable of such actions. The Doge is filled with astonishment on learning that his daughter is married. He is informed that his deceased wife had Vivaldi secretly united to his daughter. He is enraged. Rosamond invokes the spirit of her mother, and informs her father that Orsano is the author of the condemnation of her husband, and that Vivaldi's innocence will soon appear. The Doge orders her to renounce her attachment. She refuses. He threatens Vivaldi's destruction. She begs him to revoke his decision, but he refuses, becomes enraged, and execrates his daughter, who falls into a swoon. The Doge sends for the Spanish general-he appears, and sees his wife on the ground, he runs to her, raises her, and places her on a chair. The Doge tells him that he must perform a great service for the state, by bringing the culprit Vivaldi to justice; that he is returned to Venice, and is preparing to subvert the government. He shows him the letter. Vivaldi (Fernando) promises obedience. Rosamond recovers her senses, and shudders with horror. The Doge exacts an oath from Fernando. Rosamond attempts to oppose this. Fernando swears coolly to give up the culprit. Rosamond testifies her abhorrence. The Doge is satisfied, and retires, repulsing Rosamond, who endeavours to address him. Fernando prepares to depart, he is brought back by Rosamond. This action fills Fernando with dismay, lest he should be discovered. Rosamond informs him that to be the accessary to the destruction of an unfortunate accused person is unworthy a |
