to
be reconciled, until they find a pair of lovers, faithful to each other
in all kinds of adversity. Both long for the reunion, but the constant
lovers are not to be found.

Oberon's most devoted servant is little Puck, who has vainly roved over
the world to find what his master needs. He has however heard of a
valiant knight in Burgundy, Hueon, who has killed Carloman, the son of
Charlemagne in a duel, having been insulted by him. Charlemagne, not
willing to take his life for a deed of defence, orders him to go to
Bagdad, to slay the favorite, sitting to the left of the Calif, and to
wed the Calif's daughter Rezia. Puck resolves to make this pair suit
his ends. He tells Oberon the above-mentioned story, and by means of
his lily-sceptre shows Hueon and Rezia to him. At the same-time these
two behold each other in a vision, so that when they awake both are
deeply in love.

{246}

Oberon wakes Hueon and his faithful shield-bearer Scherasmin, and
promises his help in every time of need. He presents Hueon with a magic
horn, which will summon him at any time; Scherasmin receives a cup,
which fills with wine of itself. Then he immediately transports them
to Bagdad.

There, we find Rezia with her Arabian maid Fatima. The Calif's
daughter is to wed Babekan, a Persian Prince, but she has hated him
ever since she saw Hueon in her vision. Fatima has discovered the
arrival of Hueon. It is high time, for in the beginning of the second
act we see the Calif with Babekan, who wants to celebrate the nuptials
at once. Rezia enters, but at the same time Hueon advances, recognizing
in Rezia the fair one of his dream. He fights, and stabs Babekan. The
Turks attack him, but Scherasmin blows his magic horn and compels them
to dance and laugh, until the fugitives have escaped.

In the forest they are overtaken, but Hueon and Scherasmin, who has come
after his master with Fatima, put the pursuers to flight.

Oberon now appears to the lovers, and makes them promise upon oath that
they will remain faithful to each other under every temptation. He
immediately after transports them to the port of Ascalon, from which
they are to sail homeward. Oberon now puts their constancy to the
proof. Puck conjures up the nymphs and the spirits of the air, who
raise an awful tempest. Hueon's ship sinks; the lovers are shipwrecked.
While Hueon seeks for {247} help, Rezia is captured by the pirates, and
Hueon, returning to save her, is w