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Show P R O G R A M M E S OF BALLETS. 423 A sudden noise from without interrupts the fete. General surprise! " W h o , " imperatively demands Zara, " can have penetrated into this retreat ?"-Garcias boldly presents himself to her astonished view. Zara recovers sufficiently from her surprise to interrogate Morico as to the appearance of the banished Castilian in the gardens of the palace. Morico appears almost petrified, and is unable to make any reply. The presence of his old and faithful subject afflicts the King and overwhelms him with confusion. His venerable tutor solicits pardon for his boldness, and attributes this breach of obedience to devotion for his sovereign's fame and happiness. Zara can scarcely contain herself-she burns to revenge this ominous intrusion of her detested enemy. The noble Castilian, inspired with the love of his country and its King, and braving the dangers which evidently menace him, forcibly depicts to Alphonso his fallen, inglorious situation-the neglect of his Royal duties-his injustice to a virtuous and suffering wife-and the misery of his once beloved and loving subjects. The freedom of his language irritates the impetuous young monarch. Alphonso expresses his anger, and enjoins silence on the part of Garcias. Zara, foreseeing the perils with which fate threatens her, peremptorily orders Garcias to retire; the old noble looks upon her with disdain. Alphonso, enraged at this insult to his mistress, commands that Garcias be instantly seized. Zara and Morico urge him on to a signal and immediate retribution for the offence. Garcias remains unmoved; his venerable appearance and bold deportment impress universal respect for his person. His age, his rank, his virtues, the services he has rendered the King, as well as the personal attachment he feels towards him, endow the old Castilian with 27* |