t. Bris with four witnesses. While
they fight, a quarrel arises between the catholic and the protestant
citizens, which is stopped by Queen Margarita. The enemies accuse each
other, and when the Queen is in doubt as to whom she shall believe,
Valentine appears to bear witness. Then Raoul hears that her interview
with Nevers had been but a farewell, sought for but to loosen forever
the ties which her father had formed for her against her will; but the
knowledge of his error comes too late, for St. Bris has once more
promised his daughter to Nevers, who at this moment arrives with many
guests, invited for the wedding. The presence of the Queen preserves
peace between the different parties, but Raoul leaves the spot with
death in his heart.

In the fourth act the dreadful night of St. Bartholomew is already
beginning.

We find Valentine in her room despairing. Raoul comes to take a last
farewell, but almost immediately St. Bris enters with a party of
Catholics and Raoul is obliged to hide in the adjoining room. There he
hears the whole conspiracy for the destruction of the Protestants,
beginning with their leader, Admiral Coligny. The Catholics all assent
{138} to this diabolical plot; Nevers alone refuses to soil his honor,
and swears only to fight in open battle. The others, fearing treason,
decide to bind and keep him prisoner until the next morning. Raoul
prepares to save his brethren or die with them. Vain are Valentine's
entreaties; though she confesses to her love for him, he yet leaves
her, though with a great effort, to follow the path of duty.

In the last act Raoul rushes pale and bloody into the hall, where Queen
Margarita sits with her husband, Henry of Navarre, surrounded by the
court; He tells them of the terrific events, which are going on
outside, and beseeches their help. It is too late however, Coligny has
already fallen, and with him most of the Huguenots.

Raoul meets Valentine once more; she promises to save him, if he will
go over to her faith. But Marcel reminds him of his oath, and
Valentine, seeing that nothing can move her lover's fortitude and
firmness, decides to remain with him. She accepts his creed and so
they meet death together, Valentine falling by the side of her deadly
wounded lover, both praising God with their last breath.

IDLE HANS.

(DER FAULE HANS.)

Opera in one act by A. RITTER.

Text after a poetic tale by FELIX DAHN.

The composer of this hithe