a vast throng of people has gathered,

troubled by the war and by the thick clouds massing in the sky. As for the golden cockerel, it stands on its column, silent and motionless. Messengers come running, and Amelfa comes out of the palace and proclaims to the assembled crowd that King Dodon has triumphed over four kings — the four kings of the playing cards: diamonds, spades, hearts, and clubs. She adds that the King has ordered the execution of his two sons for their quarreling, and that he calls upon the people to keep still and quiet, or else heads will roll from shoulders.

But the most important news is that the King has rescued a beautiful princess, is bringing her with him, and will marry her.

Only moments pass before the crowds behold the procession of the King and his triumphant bride, made up of soldiers, dwarfs, giants, and many races of mankind. The cheers ring out. The golden carriage bearing King Dodon and the Queen of Shemakha arrives; they alight amid shouts of joy and jubilation, and take their seats on the two thrones set up at one side of the square. Then the victory cele-bration begins with a magnificent ballet, and no sooner does it end than the Astrologer appears and reminds the King of the promise he made him concerning the reward for his gift, "the golden cockerel." And all he asks is that the King yield to him the Queen of Shemakha herself!

The King believes the Astrologer is jesting, not in earnest. But when the latter persists in his demand, the King takes up his scepter and brings it down on the crown of his head; at once a clap of thunder is heard, darkness

falls, and the Astrologer drops to the ground.

Amazement seizes the King and a shudder takes hold of him; he leans toward the Queen, and she bursts out laughing, then pushes him away from her, calling him a mad, addled old man.

Suddenly the golden cockerel flies from its place and pecks the King on the head, and he falls down dead. Darkness reigns once more, and mocking peals of laughter are heard from the Queen; and when the lights return, the Queen and the cockerel have vanished.

The people mourn their departed King and recount his fine quali-ties: he was a good man, wise, merciful, just. How can they live without a king?

The Astrologer appears before the curtain and paces the boards back and forth, saying to the audience in his loud, quaver-ing voice:

— "Do not mind the sad ending of the story, for the only two real persons in it are: I and the Queen!"

*

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(Kettaneh Frères) S.A. — Bab Idriss