The duties of our order require your presence to join the Pagan captives in preparation for the sacred change they are about to make.
Belisanta.
We attend you, father.——(To Blandiman) The ceremony past, I wait your leisure—and for your friendly deeds, they'll meet reward from where I hope my prayers have long since registered them.
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.—The Palace.
(Descriptive Music.)
The King discovered on his Throne, attended by Valentine, Henry, Haufray, and the Peers of France—the Princess is announced by her Ladies, and enters—the King presents Valentine to her as the Preserver of his Life, she receives him with a warmth of Gratitude approaching to Love—the King leads her to a Seat, resumes his Throne, and speaks:
King.
Be it proclaimed that any of my subjects who have petitions to our throne, may now approach. The best acknowledgement we offer heaven for good received, is when we use the ample power it gives to bless our people.—The greatest monarch he, whose subjects are the happiest.——Let all enter.
The Music plays a characteristic Symphony—a Group of Peasantry enter, the Principal of whom unfolds a Petition, and while he and the rest kneel, recites the following