OCR Text |
Show 408 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. to accede. Orsano draws his dagger, the rest of the conspirators follow his example, and dart forward against the Doge, who presents his body to receive their blows with the greatest courage. Alfieri and Rosamond protect him by throwing themselves before him. Vivaldi stops the proceedings of the conspirators by placing himself between them. Group. Vivaldi having made the Doge feel his situation, retires to his soldiers, applauds the conduct of the conspirators, which he declares to be worthy of reward. He turns to his men and gives them a seeming sign to seize the Doge, but all on a sudden, changing his design and attitude, he points to the conspirators with a majestic air, throws off his cap, his cloak, and beard, and appears as Vivaldi, in the dress which he was supposed to wear before his exile. A feeling of general surprise is excited. Group. The conspirators, being seized and disarmed by the soldiers of Vivaldi, are in the greatest consternation. The Doge and the rest of the senate testify the utmost astonishment. Rosamond embraces her husband. Vivaldi is calm, and seems to derive the most heartfelt satisfaction from the action which he has just performed. Rosamond recapitulates the virtuous actions of Vivaldi to the senate. A general satisfaction is expressed by all parties. Vivaldi promises Orsano his life if he will establish the innocence of his father; but on his darting a contemptuous look on him, as well as Rosamond, he orders him to be conducted to execution ; and Orsano and the conspirators are led out. The Doge and the senators are lavish in their professions of gratitude to Vivaldi, and appear to be stung with deep regret for their past injustice. Vivaldi begs that all may be buried in profound oblivion, and requests that Rosamond may be indissolubly united to |