Act 1 — SCENE III.—The Palace.
Reading edition
(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
CHAUNT.
With lowly respect, zeal, devotion, and duty, To your Majesty's state, and our Princess's beauty, We entreat that you'll graciously grant us assistance Against a wild man, who in spite of resistance, Whoe'er in his road he may meet with, destroys, And your peaceable subjects and liegemen annoys, Then let your brave knights take this wild-man away, And your humble petitioners shall ever pray. Chorus—Then let, &c.
King.
What armed force will undertake this enterprize? When a savage strikes at the general safety, 'tis the duty of all good citizens to join against him.
Henry.
Haply, young Valentine, in gratitude for the high favours he receives, would gladly go alone on such an errand.
Haufray.
Ay, good my liege, his all-subduing valour must succeed.
Valentine.
For once, whate'er your motives you're my friends. It had been arrogance, had I, before so many gallant knights, proposed myself; but now I swear, living or dead, to bring this fell destroyer to your presence, or in the forest he inhabits, leave this form a worthless token of his victory.
(Pantomime Music.)
Valentine takes a respectful Leave of the King, and an affectionate one of Eglantine, who seems to reproach Henry and Haufray with causing his departure—Valentine goes off with the Peasants; the King, &c. on the opposite Side——The Scene closes.