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Show 426 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. to satisfy his faithful subjects. H e retires, accompanied by Garcias, amid the blessings of his people, who rejoice at his return to the path of honour, and look with confidence for happy days to come. A C T III. The King's presence chamber. ALPHONSO, in his royal robes, enters, followed by his court. H e seats himself on the throne, and all around wait for his commands. He prepares to seize the occasion of having an interview with Ermangere, when Morico appears and solicits permission to communicate to the monarch a secret of importance. Garcias exhibits some suspicions as to the proceedings of the perfidious follower of Zara. The image of the Moorish woman is too powerful in the King's heart to prevent him from listening to Morico's communication ; he consents to hear what the Moor has to say, and dismisses his courtiers and attendants. Morico now acquaints him that Zara supplicates permission to see him before her departure, as the last favour she shall ever ask him. Alphonso hesitates, wavers, and would fain refuse, but cannot. H e yields; his passion so blinding him that he does not foresee the probable result of so dangerous an interview. Morico is overjoyed at his success, and flies to his mistress, whom, in a few moments, he brings back with him. Zara, negligently attired and with her hair in disorder, appears; she advances slowly towards the King. Her countenance and manner evince the most bitter affliction. |