SCENE VII.
Interior of the Banquetting Hall brilliantly
illuminated, backed by a rich Canopy, pending
over Chairs of State, in the centre—on each side
splendid Orchestras—a picturesque Altar, adorned
with a golden Crucifix, &c. &c. near the first entrance
on the left hand—the entrance to the Hall,
from above, by a flight of steps, in the second entrance
on the right hand.
Bands of Musicians discovered in the Orchestras,
and Vassals in waiting—as the Scene opens a grand
flourish of Instruments.—Dancing Girls descend the
flight of steps, and a Nuptial Procession takes place
—the Priest, attended by the Baron, leads Aurelia to
the altar—she throws herself at his feet, requesting
a moment's pause—the Baron, enraged, commands
him to do his duty—she solicits him—he draws, and,
pointing his sword to the Priest's breast, commands
him to proceed, and a compulsotary union is on the
point of taking place, when Rinaldo rushes into the
Hall, throws down his gauntlet, and again challanges
the Baron, who, surrounded by his friends, treats
him with derision, and commands the Priest once
more to proceed.
Rinaldo snatches Aurelia from his grasp—Baron,
&c. draw; pointing a pistol to his head, Rinaldo
whistles, and his band rush on, each presenting his
piece, and exclaiming, “Viva Rinaldo.”—The Baron,
&c. panic struck, drop on their knees, and
solicit mercy, which Rinaldo (disarming them) with
a sneer grants, and, gallantly bearing off Aurelia,
gaily ascends, followed by his exulting Band.—
Abashed, but irritated, the vanquished Baron calls
his Friends and Vassals around him, and swearing
them all to “Revenge,” thus addresses them.
AIR—ROVEZZO.
Let proclamations spreading wide,
Bid to our aid the black Avengers hie:
'Ere Sol shall arise to illumine the skies,
Shall the traitress Aurelia's heart's blood, be our prize,
And by art or by force Rinaldini die!
CHORUS.
'Ere Sol shall arise, &c.
Exeunt.
