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Show FIRST OPERATIC 8UCCE3U Wr.ll. Allhomh slrk, lint on, I'rln for rir.t llpr. "Nnbueodonoeor" was pla)ed with the most brlllhnt success at the 8als on March 9, 1812 Verdi was not at the performance. He simply went U the theater at the rlose of tho piece, noted the success ol his work, returned to his garret and went to bed He wai still sleeping when, at dawn, there wai a knock nt his door Mrrelll entered Knowing thst several of his confrerei would bo sure to make propositions to Verdi, ho determined tn be tho early bird The conditions of the garret con. vlnced him that he hsd a Unit-clan chance to niako a good bargain and he remembered that Donizetti sold his "Elltlro d Atnore" for MO francs. "How much do yuu want for your opera?" ho asked 'Thirty thousand francs," said Verdi Merrill started. "What did you sayT" he gasped I said 30.000 francs," replied Verdi, with tho greatest coolness, "because you got up at 5 o'clock In the morning to cone to see me This evening the price will be S0.OO0. After some discussion Mer-elll Mer-elll handed our his check, alter which ho went home and took to his bed where he remained for two months suffering from Jaundlre On arcount of that Jaundice he brratne the laughing laugh-ing stock of all Milan, and old artists still speak of It. The rest of Verdi's history Is known No one merited tho glorious triumphs more than he did, because his hesrt. his mind nnd his character reached the heights of talent tal-ent Ills generous soul was last and noble, llko his genius. |