enemy's striking resemblance to Kirke. Wearied to death he lies down
{461} on a mossy bank and falls asleep. In his dream the three Fates
appear before him; they have woven the web of his life which is
approaching its end; Klotho lowers the distaff, Lachesis breaks the
thread and the balance in Atropos' hand sinks. Odysseus awakening
finds himself face to face with Telemachos, who once more throws
himself in his father's arms, having thrown down his sword, and proving
his love and faith in every way. Odysseus, at last persuaded of his
affection returns his embrace. Hearing that Despoina is leading the
enemy to battle he bids Telemachos to take her captive alive or dead,
on which the son hastens away at once. Odysseus about to join his
warriors is hindered by Telegonos, who attacks him. The unhappy father
only defends himself feebly, quite unable to slay the radiant young
hero. Suddenly the news reaches him, that the enemy headed by Despoina
is gaining ground. Telegonos hearing her shouts is about to join her
when Odysseus bars his way with those words: "Dos't know with whom thou
fightest? I am Odysseus."--Alas, Telegonos cannot believe that this
old and evidently decrepit man should be the famous hero; he reviles
him, pressing him hard. When his companions' shouts of victory reach
his ears he throws down his lance, and attacks Odysseus with his
sword.--This is observed by Despoina, who has come up unobserved and
picking up Telegonos' lance she with it stabs Odysseus in the back.

The hero falls, and Telegonos full of joy is about to embrace Despoina,
when she pushes him {462} back and pointing to the dying man says:
"There lies thy father! Odysseus behold thy son!" Telegonos staggers
back but as he is forced to recognize the awful truth he rushes upon
the murderess with his drawn sword. Despoina however is too quick for
him and stabs herself with her own dagger.--

In deep sorrow Telegonos kneels beside his father who embraces him
tenderly. Thus they are found by Penelope and Telemachos. Only now
does Odysseus confess the truth about his love for Kirke to his
faithful wife, whom he had wanted to save from pain by withholding the
knowledge of his infidelity. After a touching farewell Odysseus joins
the hands of the two brothers and blessing his family and his people he
dies erect, like the hero he has always been.

TOSCA.

Musical Drama in three acts by V. SARDOU, L. ILLICA and G. GIACOSA.

M