bound to a
cypress-tree by her own people, who attribute their misfortunes to her
and to her sons. Only Noemi, the despised daughter-in-law remains to
liberate the miserable mother, and together they resolve to ask the
tyrant's pardon for the sons.

In the third act we find Judah, alone and unrecognized in the deserted
streets of Jerusalem. Hearing the prayers of the people that Judah may
be sent to them, he steps forth and tells them who he is, and all sink
at his feet, swearing to fight with him to the death. While Judah
prays to God for a sign of grace, Noemi comes with the dreadful news of
the events at Modin, which still further rouses the anger and courage
of the Israelites. Meanwhile Leah has succeeded in penetrating into
Antiochus' presence to beg the lives of her children from him.
Eleazar, Gorgias and Cleopatra join their prayers to those of the poor
mother, and at last {191} Antiochus consents, and the two boys are led
into the room.

But the King only grants their liberty on condition that they renounce
their faith. They are to be burnt alive, should they abide by their
heresy. The mother's heart is full of agony, but the children's noble
courage prevails. They are prepared to die for their God, but the
unhappy mother is not even allowed to share their death. When Eleazar
sees his brother's firmness, his conscience awakens, and
notwithstanding Cleopatra's entreaties he joins them on their way to
death. The hymns of the youthful martyrs are heard, but with the sound
of their voices there suddenly mingles that of a growing tumult.
Antiochus falls, shot through the heart, and the Israelites rush in,
headed by Judah, putting the Syrians to flight. Leah sees her people's
victory, but the trial has been too great, she sinks back lifeless.
Judah is proclaimed King of Zion, but he humbly bends his head, giving
all glory to the Almighty God.

THE MAGIC FLUTE.

(DIE ZAUBERFLOeTE.)

Opera in two acts by MOZART.

Text by SCHIKANEDER.

This last opera of Mozart's, written only a few months before his
death, approaches so near to perfection, that one almost feels in it
the motion of the spirit-wings which were so soon alas! to bear {192}
away Mozart's genius from earth, too early by far, for he died at the
age of 35, having accomplished in this short space of time more than
other great composers in a long life.

The Magic Flute is one of the most remarkable operas known on the
stage. It is