Opera Plots I - MDC Faculty Home Pages

gains such glory by means of his magic sword, driving all enemies from the land, that the King of
France offers him his daughter's hand as guerdon. This reward, however, Roland declines; and on
being questioned as to his reason by the Bishop of Blois, he confesses his dealings with the
mysterious visitant of the enchanted island. Esclarmonde now visits him again; and during their
interview the Bishop appears, and denouncing the veiled lady as a sorceress he tears off her
covering and reveals her wonderful beauty to the awestruck Roland. She is then driven from the
presence of Roland by the stern Bishop; and she is now in despair, having lost both her royal and
magical powers, as well as her lover. The Emperor, however, does not abandon her, but promises
to restore her to her lost powers if she will renounce Roland, declaring that the latter shall for-feit
his life should she refuse to obey the conditions imposed. Esclarmonde, wishing only to save her
lover's life, agrees to give him up, even though it breaks her heart to do so, It is now the time of
the tournament, however, the victor's prize for which is to be the hand of Esclarmonde; and the
gallant Roland enters the lists, and by defeating all who come against him gains the much-coveted
reward. Thus the lovers come together at last, and all rejoice in their union.
95. LE JONGLEUR DE NOTRE DAME
Miracle Opera in Three Acts By Jules Massenet
Libretto Poem by Maurice Lena
First Produced Monte Carlo, February, 1892
Chief Characters The Virgin (Apparition), Jean (The Juggler), Boniface, The Prior, a Poet Monk, a
Painter Monk, a Musician Monk, a Sculptor Monk
THE action takes place in the Place de Cluny, in the fourteenth century; and the first act opens in
the Square before the Abbey. It is market-day, and a crowd of busy, merry folk gather about the
stalls of the vendors of fruit, vegetables, and country produce, whilst a goodly portion of the
youthful rustics are amusing themselves with songs and dances. Presently, it is announced that a
mountebank is approaching; and Jean, the Juggler, enters, playing upon his hurdy-gurdy. The
merry folk gather eagerly around him; but they soon fall back as they behold his worn-out looks.
For Jean is thin and poorly clad; and, being very hungry, he has not by any means a cheerful
countenance. He nevertheless announces himself as the "King of Jugglers," and makes a brave
show of his powers of entertaining. But the careless revellers only laugh at this tumble-down
"King of Jugglers"; and they derisively tell him to choose his Queen. But Jean goes round with his
wooden bowl, and offers to perform his juggler's entertainment; and when they tell him that they
are tired of his songs and know all his old tricks off by heart he offers once again to dance and
sing for them. Nothing he suggests, however, meets with approval; and at last, in desperation, he
offers to sing them a new drinking song, an " Alleluia du Vin," which they loudly acclaim, and
insist he shall sing in the form of a sacred chant. Jean first bows humbly be-fore the statue of the
Virgin which stands above the door of the Abbey, and asks pardon for his sacrilege, declaring
himself to be at heart a good Christian, and only forced by hunger to do the deed. He then begins
the song, which meets with great applause; but in the midst of it the door of the Abbey opens, and
the Prior appears on the steps, full of righteous indignation. He drives away the crestfallen
revellers, and then proceeds to pour maledictions upon the hapless Jean, who falls on his knees
and entreats forgiveness, also pleading to the Virgin for pardon. Finally the Prior is convinced of
the sincerity of his humble penitent, and declares that he may yet save his soul alive by entering