The  Thames  is  covered  with  vessels,  whose  streamers
are  floating  in  the  air.  Tlie  Earl  appears  upon  one  of
the  most  splendid  of  these  ;  while  strains  of  military  mu-
sic celebrate  the  arrival  of  the  English  warrior.  The
people  hasten  in  crowds  to  welcome  him ;  warlike
chiefs,  his  companions,  surround  the  hero,  but  he  alone
is  the  object  of  universal  attention  and  applause.  The
King,  attended  by  his  court  and  followed  by  part  of  his
army,  arrives,  and  advances  even  to  the  water  side,  to
receive  the  Earl,  to  whom  this  reception  is  a  kind  of
triumph,   and    he   appears  ftilly   to  enjoy   his   glorious


456  THE  CODE  OP  TERPSICHORE,

pre-eminence.      Each   is  niixious  to  show  marks  of  de-
votion, and  all  receive  a  grateful  acknowledgment  of  their
zeal.     Edward,  liowever,  salutes  Wai-wick  witb  coldness,
which,  notwithstanding  the  surrounding  multitude,  does
not  pass  unnoticed  by  the  Earl.     Dudley  bears  peace  to
England,  accompanied  by  terms  of  the  approaching  mar-
riage with  the  sister  of  Louis.     Universal  expressions  oP
joy  follow  the  declaration.      Edward  alone  appears  in'
wardly  agitated,  and  does  not  partake  in  the  public  sen-
timents.    Dudley  now  prepares  to  address  liira  ;  but  tli&
King,  fearing  he  might  be  called  on  to  perjure  himself^
avoids  an  explanation,   and  defers  the  audience  to  somi
future  opportunity ;  but  in  the  meantime,  commands  the  day
to  be  celebrated  by  a  public  rejoicing.     General  fete  anti
Diveriiisement.
The  stage  represents  sumptuous  oparltnenls  in  the  royal
Palace.
Scene  I. — Dudley  enters,  accompanied  by  his  favourite,
Sofnmera;  the  former  expresses  to  his  friend  the  joy  he
felt  at  the  reception  his  countrymen  honoured  him  with;
Sommers  shares  in  the  satisfaction  of  the  Earl,  congratu-
lating him  on  the  glory  and  renown  he  has  acquired.
