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Show PROGRAMMES OF BALLETS. 443 S C E N E II.-The court of Aldegonde advance, and prepare to meet the unexpected stranger, Alidor; he enters and entreats to be presented to the magic queen, to ask protection and solicit aid. S C E N E III.-Aldegonde herself appears, and beholding the beauteous youth, demands to speak with him in private. The court retire, leaving their queen alone with Alidor. S C E N E IV.-Alidor now relates how deeply he is enamoured of Silvia, how much he has endured for her sake, while she rejects his suit, and shuns his very presence. H e entreats Aldegonde to soften, by her power, the heart of the cruel nymph, and rescue him from sufferings worse than death. While the youthful petitioner addresses Aldegonde, a soft emotion steals into her breast-she loves -she burns, and Alidor inspires the flame ; but he redoubles his entreaties for Silvia. Jealousy now begins to pain the Enchantress; but she dissimulates, telling Alidor she will employ her power to serve him, yet secretly swears to destroy her rival, Silvia. She wishes to divert the thoughts of Alidor from his beloved ; she, therefore, commands a banquet to be instantly prepared, attended by amusing sports, purposing thus to inspire an idea of her person and her power. S C E N E V.-The subjects of Aldegonde assemble, amongst them are intermingled Eufrosine, Aridel and Silvia. They have seen and heard all in their retreat. Aldegonde, taking Alidor by the hand, entreats him to partake the joys of the feast. Three damsels present to him the prizes about to be contended for-first a golden apple for the fleetest runner ; a bow for the best archer ; and a coronet for her who excels in the dance. A youthful troop immediately advance, and begin to dispute the prizes. Silvia gains the first; upon which |
