ars himself from his love, vowing to shun her for ever
and to return to the well of grace. But Vivien, finding all her
prayers vain, throws the fatal veil over him to hinder his flight. The
dreadful effect becomes instantly apparent; the rose-garden disappears,
mighty rocks enclose the vale on all sides, and Merlin is held down by
burning chains.

While Vivien is consumed by self-reproach and {225} pain, the fairy
Morgana appears, telling her that love, which is stronger than death,
can bring Merlin eternal grace. Vivien is led away by her maid, and
Lancelot enters with the knights to seek Merlin's help against the
treacherous Modred.

Seeing Merlin in this pitiful state, he sadly turns from him, but
Merlin in despair promises his soul to the demon, if he but assist to
deliver his King and his country. The demon breaks the chains and
Merlin rushes with the knights into battle. During his absence Vivien
prepares herself to receive her hero, but though she sees him return
victorious he is wounded to death. The demon comes up to claim his
victim, but Vivien, remembering Morgana's words, sacrifices herself
piercing her heart at Merlin's feet. The demon disappears cursing
heaven and earth, while Artus and his knights, though they sadly mourn
for their hero, yet praise the victory of true love.

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.

Comic Opera in three acts by OTTO NICOLAI.

Text by MOSENTHAL.

This charming opera has achieved the fame of its composer, of whom very
little is known, except that he is the author of this really admirable
musical composition, which is valued not only in Germany but all over
Europe. Its overture is played by almost every orchestra, and the
choruses and songs are both delightful and original. As {226} may be
gathered from the title, the whole amusing story is taken from
Shakespeare's comedy.

Falstaff has written love-letters to the wives of two citizens of
Windsor, Mrs. Fluth and Mrs. Reich. They discover his duplicity and
decide to punish the infatuated old fool.

Meanwhile Mr. Fenton, a nice but poor young man asks for the hand of
Miss Anna Reich. But her father has already chosen a richer suitor for
his daughter in the person of silly Mr. Spaerlich.

In the following scene Sir John Falstaff is amiably received by Mrs.
Fluth, when suddenly Mrs. Reich arrives, telling them that Mr. Fluth
will be with them at once, having received notice of his wife's doings.
Falstaff is pac