Act III. Before _Cellini's_ house, in the background of which, through

a curtain, is seen the bronze foundry, the anxious _Teresa_ is assured by _Ascanio_ that her lover is safe. Soon he comes along himself, with a band of monks, to whom he describes his escape. Then _Balducci_ and _Fieramosca_ rush in. _Balducci_ wants to force his daughter to become _Fieramosca's_ bride. The scene is interrupted by the arrival of _Cardinal Salviati_ to see the completed "Perseus." Poor _Cellini_! Accused of murder and the attempted kidnapping of a girl, the "Perseus" unfinished, the money received for it spent! Heavy punishment awaits him, and another shall receive the commission to finish the "Perseus."

The artist flies into a passion. Another finish his masterpiece! Never! The casting shall be done on the spot! Not metal enough? He seizes his completed works and throws them into the molten mass. The casting begins. The master shatters the mould. The "Perseus," a noble work of art, appears before the eyes of the astonished onlookers--a potent plea for the inspired master. Once more have Art and her faithful servant triumphed over all rivals.

The statue of Perseus, by Benvenuto Cellini, one of the most famous creations of mediæval Italy, is one of the art treasures of Florence.

BEATRICE AND BENEDICT

Opera in two acts, by Berlioz. Words by the composer, after Shakespeare's comedy, "Much Ado about Nothing." Produced at Baden Baden, 1862.

CHARACTERS

DON PEDRO, a general _Bass_ LEONATO, governor of Messina _Bass_ HERO, his daughter _Soprano_ BEATRICE, his niece _Soprano_ CLAUDIO, an officer _Baritone_ BENEDICT, an officer _Tenor_ URSULA, Hero's companion _Contralto_ SOMARONE, orchestral conductor _Bass_

The story is an adaptation of the short version of Shakespeare's play, which preserves the spirit of the comedy, but omits the saturnine intrigue of _Don John_ against _Claudio_ and _Hero_. The gist of the comedy is the gradual reaction of the brilliant but captious _Beatrice_ from pique and partially feigned indifference toward the witty and gallant _Benedict_, to love. Both have tempers. In fact they reach an agreement to marry as a result of a spirited quarrel.

LES TROYENS

THE TROJANS