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Show 454 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. ACT I. An apartment of Elizabeth's in the royal Palace. SCENE I.-Edward is discovered on his knees before Elizabeth, he is expressing to the beautiful young widow the passion she has inspired; subdued by the power of her attractions, he swears an eternal fidelity. Elizabeth blushes and appears embarrassed. The King conjures her to give a favourable reply to his wishes. At the ardent expressions of Edward, Elizabeth becomes still more disturbed. The image of the beloved chief is present to her mind; and feeling her heart devoted to to him, her situation is rendered distressing. Edward renews his solicitations, while the Lady Elizabeth dares not avow her real sentiments, and evinces evident confusion ; the King, interpreting this fear and agitation as marks of her affection, flatters himself that he is about to obtain the acomplishment of his desires; but the lady implores the Prince to forbear awhile, to allow her time to reflect on such proposals. Edward's transporting passion will not admit of delay; Elizabeth rejects his solicitations. Jealous suspicions now inspire him; he would know her most secret feelings. The manner in which the Earl of Warwick has conducted himself induces him to suspect a mutual flame; he acquaints Elizabeth with his surmises; but she dissimulates, and endeavours to remove his fears by assuring him, that Dudley has inspired her with no other sentiment than that of admiration for his deeds; Edward consequently perceives no further obstacle to the accomplishment of his will; Elizabeth, by her own confession, is free, and |