The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1872-04-25

Tomorrow Impossible am enga-
ged 70 70 fishing 81 Pasaro with some
friends.
Very well, relored Barbaia, thrustiuR
his bands into bis trowsers pockets Let
us talk no more about H. lwil see what
/ Is best 70 be done And he went away
without another word.
That evening Rossini supped with a
good appetite, doing honor to the viands
f Of the manager, az II he had entirely for
gotten the mornings discussion When
he retired be bade bis servant wake him
early aud have a boat ready FOR Fusaro.
After which be slept the sleep OF the just.
The next day, twelve o'clock rcsound-
ed from the hye hundred church clocks,
Of which the fortunate city Of Naples is
the possessor, and Rossini's servant had
not yet made his appearance. The sun
darted his beams through the blinds
Rossiui woke suddenly, started up, rub
bed his eyes aud pulled the bell The
bell rope fell broken al the first pull lie
opened the window and called out into
the courtyard. All was silent as a Turk
ish seraglio. lie shook the door Of bis
room. 1t was locked on the outside,
Then ltossiui, returning to the window,
shouted for help, crying out against the
treason Of which he was the victim. But
not even an echo responded to his inyec-
tives. One resource alone was left him,
to leap out Of the fourth story window,
as his apartment was in this story-bu
il must be admitted, to the credit of Ros-
sini, that this idea did not even enter bis
head.
At the end of an hour Barbaia showed
his head, popping out Of a window in the
story below. Rossini, who had not quilted
his place saw him, and would gladly
have thrown brick at him, but not hav-
ing one he was obliged to content him
self with showering curses upon him.
DO you want anythingf mildly inquir-
ed Barbaia. wait to be let out instant
ly, roared Rossini.
You shall come out when your opera is
/ finished.
But this is detestable and arbitrary
| imprisonment.
Detestable and arbitrary, if you please,
but want my opera.
will complain to all the artistes.
Let them grumble.
will inform the public.
] will close the theatre.
will appeal to the king
will send in my resignation.
Rossini perceived that he was caught
in his own toils--so like a man of brains
he changed his tone and his manner, and
said in calm tone;
accept the pleasantly, and am not an
gry--but may know when am to have
my liberty?
When the last scene of the opera is
sent to me, said Barbaia.
Very well--send this evening for the
overture.
That evening Barbaia received large
pile Of music, on which was written in
large letters, Overture to Othello.
The salon of Barbaia was full of music
al celebrities when the first instament
was sent him by his prisoner. One of
these artistes seated himself at the piano
and began to play the composition, and
all declared that Rossini was not a man,
but like god, since he created without,
labor, without work, but by the mere eff
fort of will.
Barbaia almost beside himself with Joy
snatched the music fromits admirers, and
sent it to the copyists. The next day he
received new package on which was
written, First Act of Othello. This he
forwarded to the copyists, who acquitted
themselves of their duty with the mute
and passive obedience to which Barbaia
had accustomed them. AT the end Of
three days the music Of Othello had been
delivered and copied.
The impressario was beside himself
with JOY. He pressed Rossini to his heart
aud made the most humble and sincere
excuses for the stratagem which he had
been forced to employ, and begged the
author to finish his work by assisting at
the rehearsals.
will see the artistes myself, said Ros-
sini, and will hear each repeat his role
As TO the gentlemen Of the orchestra,
will have them rehearse in my apartment.
Very well, my dear fellow; arrange il
all as you please. My presence il not
necessary, and will wait to hear your
masterpiece till the general rehearsal.
Once more, beg you to forgive the man
ner in which have treated you.
Not word more on that subject, or /
shall be offended with you.
Goodbye, till the general rehearsal
The day for this grand rehearsal came
at last. II was the eyening before the
famous 30th Of May, which had cost Bar
baia 50 much anxiety. The singers were
in their places, the musicians In the or.
chestra, aud Rossini seated himself at the
piauo--a few elegant ladies aud few
privileged gentlemen occupiedlthe.boxes.
Barbaia, radiant and triumphant, rubbed
bis hands together, and walked up and
down on the stage.
The overture was played Frcnzied
applause nearly shook tie arched roof Of
the San Carlo. Rossini rose aud bowed
in acknowledgment
Bravo, cried Barbaia, now for The songs
Of the tenor.
Rossiui seated himself again at the pi-