ACT II. SCENE 1.--_Azucena_ insists on telling _Manrico_ a long and

rather improbable story of how, in a fit of absorption, she once burnt

her own son in mistake for the _Conte di Luna's, Manrico_ listens, as

a matter of filial duty--because, after all, she is his mother--but

he is clearly of opinion that these painful family reminiscences are

far better forgotten. Perhaps he suspects that her anguish may be

due to a severe fit of indigestion--the symptoms of which are almost

indistinguishable from those of operatic remorse. At all events, he

does not find his parent a cheerful companion, and, as soon as he

finds a decent excuse for escape, takes it.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 103, October 29, 1892 · 第 2 / 6 章