Act I. The village green. On one side an inn. In the background a

water mill. In the distance mountains. As the curtain rises the villagers are making merry, for they are about to celebrate a nuptial contract between _Amina_, an orphan brought up as the foster-child of _Teresa_, the mistress of the village mill, and _Elvino_, a young landowner of the neighbourhood. These preparations, however, fill with jealousy the heart of _Lisa_, the proprietress of the inn. For she is in love with _Elvino_. Nor do _Alessio's_ ill-timed attentions please her. _Amina_ enters under the care of _Teresa_, and returns her thanks to her neighbours for their good wishes. She has two attractive solos. These are "Come per me sereno" (How, for me brightly shining)

[Music: Come per me sereno]

and "Sovra il sen la man mi posa" (With this heart its joy revealing).

[Music: Sovra il sen la man mi posa,]

Both are replete with grace and charm.

When the village _Notary_ and _Elvino_ appear the contract is signed and attested, and _Elvino_ places a ring on _Amina's_ finger. Duet: "Prendi, l'anel ti dono" (Take now the ring I give you), a composition in long-flowing expressive measures.

Then the village is startled by the crack of whips and the rumble of wheels. A handsome stranger in officer's fatigue uniform appears. He desires to have his horses watered and fed, before he proceeds to the castle. The road is bad, night is approaching. Counselled by the villagers, and urged by _Lisa_, the officer consents to remain the night at the inn.

The villagers know it not at this time, but the officer is _Rodolpho_, the lord of the castle. He looks about him and recalls the scenes of his youth: "Vi ravviso" (As I view).

[Music: Vi ravviso a luoghi ameni,]

He then gallantly addresses himself to _Amina_ in the charming air, "Tu non sai con quei begli occhi" (You know not, maid, the light your eyes within).

[Music: Tu non sai con quei begli occhi,]

_Elvino_ is piqued at the stranger's attentions to his bride, but _Teresa_ warns all present to retire, for the village is said to be haunted by a phantom. The stranger treats the superstition lightly, and, ushered in by _Lisa_, retires to the village inn. All then wend their several ways homeward. _Elvino_, however, finds time to upbraid _Amina_ for seemingly having found much pleasure in the stranger's gallant speeches, but before they part there are mutual concessions and forgiveness.