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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 435 CHARACTERS. CYRUS, son of Cambyses, King of Persia, assuming the name of Artamenes. CYAXARES, King of Cappadocia and Galatia. M A N D A N E , daughter of Cyaxares. ARIBES, confidant of Cyrus. MARTICIA, Mandane's waiting-maid. T H E K I N G OF PONTUS and BYTHINIA. T H E SON OF NITOCRIS, Queen of Assyria. PHILODASPES, a Prince. MAGI. The scene lies at Synope. EPITOME. CYRUS is obliged to quit the court of Cambyses to avoid the cruelty of his grandfather, Astyages. The latter has been warned by an oracle that the above prince will become the most powerful monarch on earth. Cyrus, travelling in disguise, arrives at the court of his uncle, Cyaxares, with the daughter of whom, Mandane, he becomes enamoured. Cyaxares is about to undertake a war, and, in order to render his arms victorious, he proclaims a- sacrifice to the G o d Mars, and upon the day of the ceremony, Cyrus tenders his services. The offer is accepted, and the young prince is appointed to a military command. Cyrus displays the most exalted valour, saves the King's life, and is loaded with honours and gratitude. Mandane pays particular attention to her father's preserver, and Cyrus is in expectation of the happiest result. The King now desires to know who he is, but the prince entreats to be excused a declaration of his birth. A rival prince, named Philodaspes, appears, and challenges Cyrus to |