was the air of spring sung by Rosine in the third act. “_Quand dans la plaine_,” etc. The amiable actress, Mademoiselle Doligny, who had created the rôle of Rosine, little used to singing in public, and still less to being hissed, refused absolutely to recommence the experiment and Beaumarchais had been forced to resign himself to the sacrifice of the air. But as in everything he only sacrificed himself provisionally. At the approach of the day of the _clôture_, he proposed to the comedians to write for them the compliment which it was the custom to give, but on condition that they sing his famous air which he proposed to bring into the compliment, that was to be played by all the actors of the _Barbier_. As Mademoiselle Doligny still refused to sing the bit in question, Beaumarchais suppressed the _rôle_ of Rosine, and replaced it by the introduction of another actress more daring, who sang very agreeably, namely, Mademoiselle Luzzi. This amusing proverb in the style of the _Barbier_ had a great success and the delicious little spring song as sung by Mademoiselle Luzzi received at last its just applause. In the scene in which it was produced the daring author has dialogued thus: Scene III Mlle. Luzzi--“Very well, gentlemen, isn’t the compliment given yet?” Figaro--“It’s worse than that, it isn’t made.” Mlle. Luzzi--“The compliment?” Bartholo--“A miserable author had promised me one, but at the instant of pronouncing it, he sent us word to serve ourselves elsewhere.” Mlle. Luzzi--“I am in the secret, he is annoyed that you suppressed in his piece his air of spring.” Bartholo--“What air of spring? What piece?” Mlle. Luzzi--“The little air of Rosine in the _Barbier de Séville_.” Bartholo--“That was well done, the public does not want any one to sing at the _Comédie-Française_.” Mlle. Luzzi--“Yes, Doctor, in tragedies; but when did it wish that a gay subject should be deprived of what might increase its agreeableness? Believe me, gentlemen, Monsieur _le Public_ likes anything which amuses him.” Bartholo--“More than that is it our fault if Rosine lost courage?” Mlle. Luzzi--“Is it pretty, the song?” Le Comte--“Will you try it?” Figaro--“In a corner under your breath.” Mlle. Luzzi--“But I am like Rosine, I shall tremble.” Le Comte--“We will judge if the air might have given pleasure.” Mlle. Luzzi sings. _“Quand dans la plaine L’amour ramène Le printemps Si chéri des amants, Tout reprend l’être Son feu pénètre Dans les fleurs Et dans les jeunes coeurs. On voit les troupeaux Sortir des hameaux; Dans tous les coteaux Les cris des agneaux Retentissent; Ils bondissent; Tout fermente, Tout augmente; Les brebis paissent Les fleurs qui naissent; Les chiens fidèles Veillent sur elles; Mais Lindor enflammé Ne songe guère Qu’au bonheur d’être aimé De sa bergère.”_