the exception of a Nazarene who knows that he refers to the
Messiah, who is accomplishing miracles and awakening the dead.

In order to drown his fears, Herod begs Salome to dance for him. He
promises her all his finest jewels, his white peacocks, and even half
his kingdom, but she nevertheless still refuses to dance for him. Her
mother entreats her not to dance, when suddenly Salome changes her
mind. After having made the Tetrarch swear by his own life to grant
her wish, whatever it might be, she is ready to comply with his wish.
Veils are brought, and Salome performs the dance of the Seven Veils, at
the end of which she sinks down at Herod's feet.

"Tell me what you want, Queen of Beauty", says Herod. "I will grant
you whatever you desire". "I want nothing more or less than Jokanaan's
head on a silver dish", rejoins Salome, rising, with a cold smile.

While Herodias eagerly seconds this awful wish, Herod shrinks back in
horror, but although he offers Salome every thing else which could
please her, she only repeats her first wish.

At last Herod gives in, and drawing a ring from his finger, which gives
the death-signal, he hands it to a soldier, who passes it on to the
executioner, and the latter goes down into the dungeon.

A death-like silence ensues, during which Salome vainly listens for a
sound or a cry from the dungeon into which she is peering. Finally she
can bear {500} the suspense no longer. Shrieking wildly she clamours
for Jokanaan's head, and the executioner stretches forth a huge, black
arm, holding a silver shield, with Jokanaan's head upon it.

While Herod covers his face, Salome seizes Jokanaan's head, and
devouring its beauty with her eyes, she utters rapturous exclamations,
and at last passionately kisses the lips she has so ardently coveted.

Herod, horrified by this monstrous spectacle, orders the torches to be
put out, and turns to leave the dreadful place. When Salome exultingly
cries, "I have kissed thy mouth, Jokanaan!", Herod turns, and seeing
her, calls out loudly; "Kill this woman!" The soldiers rush forward,
crushing the princess beneath their shields.

DIE SCHOeNEN VON FOGARAS.

(THE BEAUTIES OF FOGARAS.)

Comic Opera in three acts by ALFRED GRUeNFELD.

Words by VICTOR LEON, founded on the Hungarian novel of MIKSZATH,
"Szehistye, the village without Men".

This opera was first performed in Dresden on September 7th, 1907.

Victor Leon's great talent to amuse hi