SOPHIA. Thanks, dear madam. Is it true that the works of the different competitors are to be exhibited at the fete of the countess, and that the decision is to be there made? FREDERICA. It is--and the countess insists upon your being present. SOPHIA. I am an unknown girl, madam; and if I decline the invitation, I beseech you take it not amiss. FREDERICA. --But I will take it amiss, and so will the count and countess, whose messenger I am, and who insisted upon my bringing you to the chateau at once. SOPHIA. Well, madam, since you will have it so-- FREDERICA. Oh, you'll be delighted. Only think of the concentrated attractions of "the court, the camp, the grove!" Oh, they're too much for any mortal woman to withstand! DUET--SOPHIA and FREDERICA The king, the princes of the court, With lords and ladies bright, Will in their dazzling state resort To this grand fete to-night: The merry-hearted and the proud Will mingle in the glittering crowd, Who glide with Fashion's sparkling stream Where one I love will shine supreme!-- La ra la, la ra la, la la la, etc. The cavaliers of Italy, The gay gallants of France, With Spain and England's chivalry, Will join the merry dance. The court of Love--the camp of Mars, Fair Prussian dames, "earth-treading stars," To music's strain will float in light, Where one I love will beam to-night!-- La ra la, la ra la, la la la, etc. [Exit cheerfully. Scene IV. Discovered. Grand Saloon in the Chateau of the COUNTESS LANISKA, arranged for a Fete. The scene opens with dancing and waltzing by the CHARACTERS, and discovers the KING and retinue, LORDS and LADIES of the Court, foreign AMBASSADORS and ATTACHES, the COUNTESS LANISKA, ALBERT, WEDGEWOOD, KARL, GIRLS of the Factory, etc., etc. The CHARACTERS are variously grouped during the dance; and while all are observing the KING, who, with KARL at his side, is attentively examining the Vases, which are placed on stands on one side of the stage, the COUNT LANISKA enters, conducting, in SOPHIA and FREDERICA. After the dance, the KING speaks. KING. The hour has arrived which is to decide the fate of the competitors. (All the CHARACTERS express by their looks and actions the utmost anxiety as to the result, and draw near to the KING.) KARL (to KING.) The inscription upon this vase is in the handwriting of the Count Laniska. KING. 'Tis well. KARL (aside.) And it is a death-warrant!