A rectangular woodcut headpiece features a central lyre flanked by a trumpet, open books, a theatrical mask, and sheaves of wheat.

THE UNEXPECTED

ENCOUNTER,

C O M E D Y.

ACT ONE.

The stage represents a public square in Grand Cairo.

SCENE ONE.

OSMIN, alone.

AIR.

Happy is the lover who frees himself
From Cupid.
Alas! alas! Ali, my master,
Does not have this gift.
A love, which cannot be cured,
For two years has made him run
From province to province:
The poor prince
Is sick unto death!
What a displeasure!