Plot of the Opera "IL Trovatore."

The plot of the opera "Il Trovatore" ("The Troubadour") is very romantic, but it has the merit also of being both connected and intelligible.

The mother of Azucena, an old gypsy, has been burned as a witch by the father of the Count de Luna; and Azucena, to revenge her mother's death, steals the younger brother of the count, and brings him up as her son under the name of Manrico. He becomes a troubadour, and gains the love of Leonora, who is also beloved by the count.

The first act shows Manrico and the count in pursuit of Leonora, and it ends with a challenge and a duel.

In the second act, the gypsies are introduced, Manrico being wounded. He learns that Leonora is about to take the veil; and in the convent the rivals again meet, Manrico's followers overcoming those of the count, and Manrico bearing off Leonora.

In the third act, the lovers are about to be united: but Manrico learns that Azucena is in the power of the count, and condemned to be burned; and in his attempt to release her, he is also captured.

The last act shows Leonora offering to marry the count, as the condition of Manrico's freedom, but poisoning herself to prevent the count's possession of her. The count sends Manrico to the scaffold; and only after the death-blow has been struck, does he learn from Azucena that he has sacrificed his own long-lost brother.

The scene is laid partly in Biscay, and partly in Aragon, the time being the early part of the fifteenth century.

The author of this grand opera is Guiseppe Verdi. He was born in the Duchy of Parma, Italy, Oct. 9, 1814. His first opera was a failure; but in 1842 he brought out "Nabuco," which at once made him famous. He has since written many beautiful operas,--"Ernani," "Rigoletto," "Il Trovatore," "La Traviata," and "Aida."

At one time, when one of his operas was to be performed in Venice, he was escorted to and from the theatre by a triumphal procession, and offered a golden crown.

At present he is a senator of the kingdom of Italy.