Act II. Thirty years have elapsed. In the courtyard of a house in

Vienna, _Magdalena_ meets an evangelist in whom she recognizes _Matthias_, the friend of her youth. She herself is here caring for _Johannes_ who is ill. How has _Matthias_ become an evangelist? He tells her his sad history. He had been sentenced to prison for twenty years. When he had finished his punishment he learned that his sweetheart _Martha_ out of grief had sought death in the water. Then he had become a wandering, singing preacher.

Second Part. In the sitting-room, _Johannes_ lies ill. But more than pain disturbs his mind. Then he hears outside the voice of the evangelist. _Magdalena_ must call him in. Without recognizing him _Johannes_ tells his brother of the infamous action through which he had ruined the other's life. And _Matthias_ not only preaches love but practices it too. He forgives his brother who now can die in peace.

DER KUHREIGEN

RANZ DES VACHES

Music-drama in three acts; music by Wilhelm Kienzl; poem by Richard Batka.

CHARACTERS

THE KING _Bass_ MARQUIS MASSIMELLE, commandant _Bass_ BLANCHEFLEUR, his wife _Soprano_ CLEO, their lady at court _Mezzo-Soprano_ CAPTAIN BRAYOLE _Tenor_ PRIMUS THALLUS _Tenor_ DURSEL (_Bass_) and under officers in a Swiss regiment FAVART, under-officer of Chasseurs _Baritone_ DORIS, daughter of the keeper of a canteen in the St. Honoré barracks _Soprano_

_Time_--1792-3.

_Place_--Paris and Versailles.