Act IV. Again the scene changes. On the border of the desert stands

the asylum of the young women consecrated to God in which _Sulamith_ has found rest from the deceitful world. _Assad_ staggers hither; a weary, banished man. And again the _Queen of Sheba_ appears before him offering him her love. But he flees from the false woman for whom he had sacrificed _Sulamith_, the noble one. A desert storm arises, burying _Assad_ in the sand. When the sky becomes clear again _Sulamith_, taking a walk with her maidens, finds her lover. She pardons the dying man and points out to him the eternal joys which they will taste together.

THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH

Opera in three acts, by Carl Goldmark, text by M. Willner, after the story by Charles Dickens. Produced, Berlin, 1896; in this country, 1910.

CHARACTERS

JOHN _Baritone_ DOT, his wife _Soprano_ MAY _Soprano_ EDWARD PLUMMER _Tenor_ TACKLETON _Basso_ THE CRICKET _Soprano_

_Time_--Early Part of 19th Century.

_Place_--An English Village.