res them {21} obediently. A musical scene of
surpassing beauty follows, where we hear the call of the Muezzin
summoning the faithful to prayer. It is also the sign for Nurredin to
appear. The Cadi hurries to the Mosque and Bostana introduces the
lover. Here ensues a charming love-duet, accompanied, originally
enough, by a song from the old barber, who watches before the house.
Suddenly they are interrupted by cries of alarm, and with dismay they
learn from Bostana, that the Cadi has returned to punish a slave, who
has broken a precious vase.

Nurredin, unable to escape unobserved, is hidden in the big trunk.
Meanwhile Abul, having heard the slave's cries and mistaking them for
Nurredin's, summons the latter's servants and breaks into the Cadi's
house to avenge his young friend, whom he believes to be murdered.
Bostana angrily bids him carry away the trunk signifying to him whom
she has hidden in it, but the Cadi intervenes, believing the servants
to be thieves who want to rob his daughter's treasure. The rumor of
the murder gradually penetrates the whole town; its inhabitants gather
before the house, and the appointed wailing-women mingle their doleful
lamentations with the general uproar. At last the Calif himself
appears in order to settle the quarrel.

The Cadi accuses the barber of theft, while Abul calls the Cadi a
murderer.--To throw light upon the matter, the Calif orders the trunk
to be opened, which is done with great hesitation by {22} Margiana.
When the lid gives way Nurredin is lying in it in a deep swoon. All
are terrified believing him to be murdered, but Abul, caressing him,
declares that his heart still throbs. The Calif bids the barber show
his art, and Abul wakens Nurredin by the love-song to Margiana. The
young man revives and the truth dawns upon the deceived father's mind.
The Calif, a very humane and clement prince, feels great sympathy with
the beautiful young couple, and advises the Cadi to let his daughter
have her treasure, because he had told them himself, that it was
Margiana's treasure, kept hidden in the trunk.

The Cadi consents, while the Calif bids the funny barber come to his
palace to entertain him with his stories, and invites all present to
the wedding of the betrothed pair, to the great satisfaction of the
people, who sing their Salam Aleikum in praise of their Prince,--a
brilliant finale, full of energy and melody.--

IL BARBIERE DI SEVIGLIA.

Comic Opera in tw