ily grants this request; but when he sees Djamileh enter with
sad and dejected looks, he {356} tenderly inquires, what ails her. She
sings him a strange and melancholy "Ghasel" about a girl's love for a
hero, and he easily guesses her secret. In order to console her, he
presents her with a beautiful necklace, and grants her her freedom, at
which she brightens visibly, but refuses it. Harun however has no idea
of losing either heart or liberty, and when some friends visit him, he
turns from her, to join them in a game, leaving her unveiled, and
exposed to their insolent stares and admiration. Djamileh, covered
with confusion, begins to weep, at which Splendiano interposes, trying
to console her by the offer of his hand. Scornfully repulsed by her,
he reveals to her the cruel play of his master, and her approaching
dismissal, and drives her almost to despair. But she resolves to show
her love to her master before she leaves him, and for this purpose
entreats Splendiano to let her disguise herself and personate the new
slave; promising to be his, if her plans should fail, but vowing to
herself, to choose death rather than leave her beloved master. The
evening approaches, and with it the slave-dealer with a whole bevey of
beautiful young girls. Harun turns from them indifferently, ordering
Splendiano to choose for him, but the slave-dealer insists upon showing
up the pearl of his flock, a young Almee, who dances the most weird and
passionate figures until she sinks back exhausted. She is selected,
but Splendiano gives 200 zechines to the dealer, who consents to let
her change clothes with Djamileh. When the latter {357} reenters
Harun's room veiled, he is astonished to find her so shy and sad. In
vain he tries to caress her, she escapes him, but suddenly unveiling
herself, he recognizes her. With wild and passionate entreaty she begs
him to let her be a slave again, as she prefers his presence to freedom
and fortune. At first he hesitates, but true love conquers, and he
takes her in his arms. He has found his heart at last, and owns that
love is stronger and better than any other charm.

DONNA DIANA.

Comic Opera in three acts by E. VON REZNICEK.

Text after a free translation of MORETO'S comedy of the same name.

Many are the authors, who have dramatized this old, but ever young and
fresh comedy, but yet none have so nearly reached the ideal, as this
young composer. His manner of interweaving Span