My attention to fix, I endeavour in vain,
I fear this dispute has disordered my brain.
Concord! Oh Concord! come to us again.

[Soft music heard. AIR.—“ Auld Lang Syne," from
the piano.

Ida (Looking round astonished). What sounds are those I hear from whence that soothing strain?

[Spirit of Concord appears from behind the windowcurtains, or from a conservatory, having been previously hidden from the audience. Stands before her. Ida (Starting). A vision! surely I am dreaming nowSpeak, I implore thee! Who and what art thou?

Ida. Exquisite air! it soothes me more than I can tell.
Spirit. Then safely in thy memory let it dwell,

And when disputes arise-remember what I say,
You've but to sing that tune-they'll gently die
away.
[Vanishes.

Enter ADA.

Ada. I heard a voice, what stranger has been here?

[IDA is in a meditative attitude, and does not answer.

I think you might answer me, and not sit silent there.

[Takes up a book, and seats herself with her back to her friend.

Ida (Aside). That magic tune I hope I recollect,

Its wondrous powers to shew, I'll try direct;

I hope with all my heart 'twill take effect. [Sings softly a few bars of any tune but the right one. Ada (Looking round). Singing indeed! excessively polite, I think you've taken leave of manners quite.

Ida.

Ada (Starting up).

In vain, in vain!

I'll try again.

[Sings a few bars of another tune.

I will not stay here, to be treated so What would you do without me, I should like to know?

[Resumes her seat, with handkerchief to her eyes.

'Twas only my new song,

Good Spirit, help me, help me, pray,

Your magic tune has flown away.

[Spirit appears between them. Music heard as before.
ADA slowly rises and advances to IDA.

Ada. We are not going to quarrel, are we, dear?
'Twas something very like it though, I fear,

I'll say no more my love about the fish,
They shall be cooked exactly as you wish.

Ida. No, no, indeed, I will not selfish be,

One shall be fried for you, the other boiled for me.
The sole and only cause of our dispute is o'er-

In Harmony and Peace we'll live henceforth for

evermore.

[They join hands and sing, accompanied by the piano, the first verse of " Auld Lang Syne."

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind,
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my friends,

For auld lang syne,"

END OF ACT THE THIRD.

Madame Melpomene, full dress, opera cloak and fan. The Prima Donna according to taste, rather négligé. The Signora might have a black veil on her head, in the Spanish style. Monsieur, black suit and white waistcoat, moustache and imperial. Page in fancy dress livery. A Footman might be substituted for the Page.

OVERTURE." Oh no! we never mention her," and " All is lost now."

SCENE.-Drawing-room, easy-chair or couch, table with sheets of manuscript music, opera glass, and bouquet of flowers.

Enter MADAME MELPOMENE.

Madame. I am really ready-the hour draws nigh-the great event of my life is at hand-be still, my heart—I will be calm. (Sinks into an easy-chair, and fans herself.) One quiet half hour I may have-and then-(Rings a bell. Page appears.) Trillo, order the carriage to be at the door precisely at seven, and remember I am at home to no one-on no account will I be disturbed.

Trillo (Bowing low). Madame, your commands shall be obeyed. [Exit TRILLO. [MADAME rises, paces the room, speaks thoughtfully, and gradually emphatically.

Madame. Yes the hour draws nigh. To-night it will be known that I, Madame Melpomene, Directress of the Royal Imperial Anglais Français Theatre, am also the author and composer of the most sublime opera of the season! A proud and responsible position for an unprotected female !— but why should not women write operas?-why should not they play their part on the world's stage? Why should not I rank with Balfe, with Rossini, with Donizetti, with Verdi? Why should not my opera be as well known as Traviata, Trovatore, or Satanella? In Satanella, is depicted the "Power of Love."-I shew Love conquered by the Power of Ambition. There are lady Doctors, of Medicine,—why should we not, by degrees, take degrees in all the Arts and Sciences? Courage, "faint heart never won fair lady," name, fame, and fortune. (Resumes her seat.) Let me imagine the scene, the curtain falls amid thunders of applause, loud