The history of seventeenth-century opera, interesting as it is, does not belong to the subject especially treated in this volume.

The authorities consulted will be named from time to time in the pages of the book.
CONTENTS Chapter Page I.The Early Liturgical Drama 1 II.

The Sacre Rappresentazioni 21 III.

Birthplace of the Secular Drama 35 IV.

The Artistic Impulse 53 V.Poliziano's "Favola di Orfeo" 68 VI.