d intimates,
that the whole thing is owned to the false Italian Maestro, who wants
to make the German composer a laughing stock for the foreign guests,
who are expected not only to hear the famous flute playing of Prince
Ferdinand, but especially herself, the famous Primadonna. She is to be
engaged for the Vienna opera by a Viennese count, coming expressly on
her account. Hearing all this, Prince Eberhard first flies into a
passion, but soon he calms himself and tells Peppina to be without fear
for Pepusch's future, as he, Eberhard, will not fail to be present at
the soiree.

When Pepusch appears, he finds the two executing a droll dance
together. Peppina seizes the prince's hand and tells him that she and
Pepusch are in love with one another. All three vow, that they will
give the audience a surprise at the fete, Pepusch saying his will be
the "Flauto Solo".

{489}

Preparations for the festival are carried on with the aid of all kinds
of decorations during which Pepusch is busily employed finishing his
new composition.--Prince Ferdinand arrives followed by his suite,
receiving his guests gracefully. After having presented Pepusch he
commands him to conduct his chef d'oeuvre. Pepusch, taking out a score
of music, announces, that a young pig was born during the night,
necessitating a Solo flute. He hands the Prince the melody, intimating
that the great Maestro Emanuele should play it. Much to Emanuele's
disgust, Prince Ferdinand takes Pepusch's part in the quarrel, which
the Italian attempts to bring about.

Suddenly the old Prince arrives and orders his son to perform Pepusch's
new melody on the flute. Prince Ferdinand unwillingly obeys, and plays
the solo part so splendidly, that the audience breaks out into endless
applause.

Prince Ferdinand cordially begs Pepusch's pardon for his injustice and
calls his new composition a real master piece. Pepusch is however
honest enough to admit, that the melody, which he first heard Peppina
sing, was originally Emanuele's idea, upon which the guests cheer both
conductors.

Prince Eberhard, on the other hand, praises his son's skill on the
flute most highly and admits, that Prince Ferdinand will as a ruler in
all probability become as great a virtuoso, as he has proved himself a
great artist.--

Pepusch and Emanuele call for Peppina, the great Italian
primadonna.--She appears on the steps {490} wrapped in a long cloak,
but when she throws it off, she shows he