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Fables for the Fair
THE WOMAN WHO UNDERSTOOD OPERA
THERE was once a Woman who Thoroughly Understood and appreciated Grand Opera. She was Accustomed to Purchase a Libretto Weeks Ahead, and she Played the Score through on her Piano Before she Went to a Performance. So she always Knew What they were Singing and When it was Over. She had a Cousin who did Not Know an Oboe from a Snare-drum, nor a Tenor from a Basso. Nevertheless she Enjoyed the Opera.
One day they were Presented to a Great Tenor. The Woman who Understood Opera spoke to him as Follows:
"Do you not Think the Overture to 'Tannhauser' is a Beautiful Thing? I Adore Wagner. Don't you? But I
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