The times., 1899-03-05
GRAND OPERA IN ENGLISH.

GRAND OPERA IN ENGLISH.
Tragic Meeting of Jnmesio and Mag
siOIO on State Street.
From the Chicago Record.)
Those persons who have been attending
the performances of grand opera at the
Auditorium doubtless know something
about the wonders of 'libretto English
This is the peculiar form of English used
to elucidate the original Italian or Ger
man text. The translator attempts TO pre-
serve the form in which the line was first
written and at the same time make the
| English sufficiently clear. Perhaps an
| idea OF this particular kind of English
could be conveyed by telling Just what
would ensue If two persons met in State
| Street and conducted libretto conversa-
| tion. at the same time acting after the
manner of grand opera characters.
| Let it be understood that Jamesio is
| passing along State Street. more or less
| wrapped up in tan macintosh and car
rying closely-wrapped umbrella. He
meets Maggioli (Maggie). who is deter
mined to show her new spring frock and
wear violets no matter what the weather
may be.
| AS soon as he sees her he puts his
left hand over his heart, and, with his
right hand advanced. strides toward her.
She turns from him, and, with her face
| ndl1 dVerteu, says.
| '-Ah-h- h h h-h-h." running the scale
Then they converse in recitative, as fol-
lows:
Jamesio-Ah. it is you here that now l
| see.
Maggioli-Yes. 1t is now that here you
see.
Jam-Once more again thee meet.
Mag-'Tis true. 1t | cannot deny.
Jam-Oh, most beauteous thou, is it not
that my heart beats at sight of thee2
Mag-Joyi JOY! He me doth love even
so as 1 should it wish to be.
Jam-Tell me. what bringest thou here
that 1 should already meet thee In State
| Street, yet?
Mag-Listen!
| Jam-Yes, yes.
Mag-I am shopping.
Jam-She here is shopping.
Mag-Noble sir. you have my inmost
thaughts discerned. and knowest now that
/ am here, even that / may my shopping
do.
Jam-what wouldst thou purchase?
Mag-He asks me, He asks me,
Jam-I repeat it once yet. oh, beauteous
| Maggioli. what wouldst thou purchase here
that I find thee now in State Street? An
swer,
Mag-Ah, dare I tell this noble gentle
man what? Dare I? Dare 1?
Jam-Speak, Dost thou observe that
soon l am Inpatient
! Mag-Then | must tell.
Jam-Now she must tell.
Mag-Listeni l come to buy yard and
three quarters OF salmon ruching.
Jam-Merciful heayensi Wouldst thou
| now have it that my heart is to break?
| Mag-'Tis true. oh. how much now in
my heart do / the feeling OF regret know,
Jam-Perfdious woman, Thou toldst me
even yesterday it was yellow insertion that
thou wouldst purchase.
Mag (kneelingl-Forgiye me!
Jam-No, no. II / cannot do.
| Air-MAGGIoLo Is UNTRUE.
CBy Jamezio)
| Maggioli is untrue now that she comes
Hereto where l do see her
| That she would by her nature to deceive
| oh, sorrow now that do know
She did love even with my soul.
| Now that in the happy days gone by.
| When / to her did my affection tell.
Mag-List, 1 can explain!
Jam-No-No. I have not the time.
Seest thou not l am busy? I am awayl
Mag-oh, to you do l ask that you shall
not leave me in anger.
Jam-'Tis so.
Mag-Do not the words repeat.
Jam-'Tis so again.
Mag-Oh. accursed ruchingi Now In
deep penitence behold me.
thee, Maggioli.
Mag-oh, sorrow. Oh. sorrow! Oh,
sorrow,
Duet-ALL Is OFF NOW.
(By .Iamesio and Maggiol)
All is now off. and shall each
Soon to the other his or her present return
That nj the glad days JOYS scemer bright.
Ere that sorrow shall be.
| When in the vows OF true affection,
Each to the other would that tshould be,
Even before this dire misfortune
| Which it will be to separate.
Mag-You would not away?
Jam-Even so, and now without delay.
Magic where wouldst goest thou TO,
o, Jamiesio?
Jam-Dare I tell her?
Mag-Will he tell me?
Jam-Dare I tell her?
Mag-Will he tell me7
Jam-Insistest thouest?
Mag-I dost.
Jam-Then bark. even that should say
it where | am going.
Mag-Aha. He speaks.
JAM go-must l speak?
| Mag-Yes-yes.
Jam-I go-to the matinee,
Mag-You to the matinee?
Jan-I-to the matinee.
Mag-Alone goest thou'
Jam-Quite so.
Alr-"HE 10 THE MATINEE"
(By Maggioh.)
He to the matinee departest
Where to enjoyment there TO enjoy himself.
While I-most unhappy one.
Here 10 work hour upon hour.
That | may buy yet my ruching,
Oh that he should desert me.
So that my heart is thus beating for him
Seems it not more to be oruel2
Jam-Enough, Maggioii, l must quit
thee.
Mag-Duckest thou love?
Jam-Even so.
Mag-Oh. heart of stone. canst thou not
sometimes yield?
Jam-Nay, nay.
Mag-Not once?
Jam-Not once-or twice.
Mag-Then l die.
Jam-Here?
Mag-Here-if I choose. What matter
est it thou to thee?
Jam-Enough- am now that did
speak. Farewell!
Mag-Leave me not. Look, have gold.
This | will spend even for sweet confec-
tons.
Jam-Temptress No. no, Me you can
not dissuade. Now to the matinee goest I.
Mag-Jamesio, Pardoni mio. peasio,
Jam-Away!
Mag-Help! Help, Watch me! I faint
Jam-She faints. | must awayi
Mag (again kneeling)-Here again would
tell all that you may know it is not as
it would seem. Ask me Jamesio!
| Jam-No-n0i APain-J 90 EarpwelI