adies' pity and are nearly
successful in their foolish endeavours, when Dolores, pitying the
cruelly tested women, reveals the whole plot to them.

Isabella and Rosaura now resolve to enter into the play. They accept
the disguised suitors, and even consent to a marriage. Dolores appears
in the shape of a notary, without being recognized by the men. The
marriage-contract is signed, and the lovers disappear to return in
their true characters, full of righteous contempt. Isabella and
Rosaura make believe to be conscience-stricken, and for a long while
torment and deceive their angry bridegrooms. But at last they grow
tired of teasing, they present the disguised Dolores, and they put
their lovers to shame by showing that all was a farce. Of course the
gentlemen humbly ask their pardon, and old Onofrio is obliged to own
himself beaten.

CZAR AND ZIMMERMANN

THE TWO PETERS.

Comic Opera in three acts by LORTZING.

This charming little opera had even more success than Lortzing's other
compositions; it is {44} a popular opera in the best sense of the word.
Lortzing ought to have made his fortune by it, for it was soon claimed
by every stage. He had composed it for Christmas 1837 and in the year
1838 every street-organ played its principal melodies. But the
directors paid miserable sums to the lucky composer. (F. e. a copy of
the work cost him 25 thalers, while he did not get more than 30 to 50
thalers from the directors.)

The libretto was composed by Lortzing himself; he took it out of an old
comedy.

Peter, Emperor of Russia, has taken service on the wharfs of Saardam as
simple ship-carpenter under the assumed name of Peter Michaelow. Among
his companions is another Peter, named Ivanow, a Russian renegade, who
has fallen in love with Mary, the niece of the burgomaster Van Bett.

The two Peters being countrymen and fearing discovery, have become
friendly, but Ivanow instinctively feeling his friend's superiority, is
jealous of him, and Mary, a little coquette, nourishes his passion.

Meanwhile the ambassadors of France and England, each of whom wishes
for a special connection with the Czar of Russia, have discovered where
he must be, and both bribe the conceited simpleton Van Bett, who tries
to find out the real Peter.

He assembles the people, but there are many Peters amongst them, though
only two strangers. He asks them whence they come, then takes aside
Peter Ivanow, cross-questioning him in