Opera Plots I - MDC Faculty Home Pages

her by bringing her old friends and home surroundings about her once more, and this has the
desired effect. George and Prascovia are brought in to go through part of the events connected
with their marriage; and Peter also appears in his carpenters garb. As Catharine thus beholds this
well-remembered scene her memory returns and she recognises Peter as her lover; and the now
happy Czar folds her in his arms with joy and introduces her to all as their future Empress.
107. THE BEGGAR STUDENT
Opera Comique in Three Acts By Carl Millöcker
Libretto By Zell and Genée
First Produced Vienna, 1882
Chief Characters Laura, Bronislava, Countess Palmatica, Symon, Janitsky, General Ollendorf
THE scene is laid in Kracow, in the beginning of the eighteenth century. The Governor of the
City, General Ollendorf, is offended with the Countess Palmatica and her daughter Laura because
the latter has scorned his advances, and in order to revenge himself upon the pair he determines to
play a trick upon them. He induces a military prisoner convicted for some petty offence, a poor
student named Symon Symonovicz, to masquerade as a wealthy young Prince, providing him with
ample means and introducing him to the Countess and her two daughters. Symon agrees to secure
his liberty even though under such false pretences as these, but only on condition that his friend,
Janitsky, shall accompany him. This being agreed to, the pair are forthwith introduced to the
Countess, who, believing Symon to be a wealthy Prince, shows him great favour, hoping to secure
him as a husband for her daughter Laura - this being the desire of the offended General, who does
not intend to undeceive them until the marriage is consummated. The Countess and her daughters
have been living for a long time in genteel poverty; and consequently the mother rejoices greatly
when Laura captures the supposed Prince, and her sister, Bronislava, secures his friend, Janitsky.
The two couples are, however, genuinely in love with each other; and in the second act Symon
determines to undeceive Laura before the marriage takes place, and writes her a note telling all.
This note is, however, intercepted by the watchful General; and, therefore, the marriage takes
place, Symon imagining that Laura is still willing to marry him even though knowing him to be
merely a beggar student. But the triumphant General, as soon as the ceremony is over, discloses
all, enjoying the great shock given to the scandalised Countess and her aristocratic friends on
discovering that the gay bridegroom is but a penniless student, whom they thrust from the house
with contumely.
In Act 3 Symon is in despair, having now been deserted by his temporary benefactor and not
permitted to see his bride; and he is about to take his life when his friend Jenitsky appears,
revealing himself in his true character as an important Polish officer who is engaged in a
conspiracy the object of which is to re-establish King Stanislaus upon his throne. He asks Symon
to join the party, which is a very strong one; and the Beggar Student agrees and distinguishes
himself so well by his daring and bravery that the plot succeeds, chiefly owing to his efforts. He is,
therefore, rewarded with wealth and the honour of nobility; and the Countess is now willing to
forgive him for his deception and to acknowledge him as Lauras husband. Janitsky secures the
hand of Bronislava, and the two pairs of lovers are made happy.