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Show P R O G R A M M E S OF BALLETS. 467 movable. He grieves to be denied the opportunity of revenging his affront in the field of battle. The trembling Elizabeth implores him to consider her unhappy situation. Warwick is affected at her distress, and promises soon to rescue her from the abyss of grief into which she is plunged. She, however, reproaches him with being the cause of the present revolt, and of the sanguinary combats that are about to deluge the country with blood ; but this representation does but increase the desire he feels to sacrifice his enemy. Elizabeth appears to dread the evil consequences; but Dudley recalls to her mind the guilty conduct of the King, his unprincipled designs, his own insults and ignominious chains ; the unhappy lady supplicates him on her knees, and bathes his hand with tears, but the Earl is immoveable. Elizabeth then reproaches him bitterly with the barbarity of his behaviour, and threatens to terminate her own woes by a speedy death. This determination appears deeply to affect Warwick, and he tries to recall the affection of Elizabeth, being prepared to make any sacrifice to regain her love. Elizabeth, unable to resist the united power of grief and tenderness, falls into the arms of Dudley. S C E N E I V . - A n officer, followed by a company of soldiers, enters and announces to Elizabeth, that the King commands her to leave this place, and to attend him immediately. The Earl desires to enjoy the company of Elizabeth a few minutes longer, but the officer repeats his order, and demands obedience. Elizabeth prepares to depart, conjuring Warwick, by a timely submission, to preserve his country from destruction, and herself from additional woe. She then bids him adieu, and retires. S C E N E V . - Warwick appears dejected ; he accuses heaven of injustice, then implores death to put a period |
