Opera for marionettes by António José da Silva, “O Judeu”
Aesop, a “philosopher”, being a captive or slave to Zeno, was sold to Xanthus, an Athenian philosopher, who highly esteemed Aesop, for being gracious and wise. While Aesop was serving his master in the city of Athens, King Croesus of Lydia arrived with an army to besiege the city. The oracle of Jupiter insinuated that Aesop, as a wise man, should prepare the defense of the Athenians, and Aesop delivered them with his wiles. The people gave Aesop his freedom for the benefit of the motherland. Periander marries Filena, daughter of Xanthus. King Croesus rewards Aesop’s great merits, appoints him governor of the city, and raises the siege. The rest will be seen in the story.
