Act I. _Crispino_, the cobbler, and _Annetta_, his wife, the ballad

singer, are in sore straits. _Don Asdrubale_, their landlord, who is a miser, is about to put them out for non-payment of rent, but hints that if _Annetta_ will respond to his suit he may reconsider. _Crispino_, in desperation, runs away, and is followed by _Annetta_. He is about to drown himself in a well when a fairy appears to him. She predicts that he will be a famous doctor. _Crispino_ and _Annetta_ rejoice.