CHAPTER IV

SUCCESS, AND INTRODUCTION INTO ENGLAND

Verdi's position assured--Selected to compose an _opera d'obbligo_--The terms--_I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata_--Its _dramatis personæ_ and argument--Reception at La Scala--A new triumph for Verdi--_I Lombardi_ in London, 1846--_Ernani_--Political effect of _Ernani_--Official interference--Verdi first introduced into England--Mr. Lumley's production of _Ernani_ at Her Majesty's Theatre--The reception of the opera--Criticism on _Ernani_--_Athenæum_ and _Ernani_ 49