The Cunning Peasant

The grounds of a palace The girls of the village are celebrating May and the love it brings (Zavítal do kraje, zavítal máj), but Bětuška is sad. The chorus try to cheer her up with the hope of the Prince's arrival allowing her love to be fulfilled. Jeník arrives and asks Bětuška why she is sad. It is because her father wishes her to marry a richer man. The two embrace and sing of their hope that God will help their love (Ústa moje, miláčku). Martin, Veruna and Václav arrive as Jeník leaves. Martin tells Bětuška off for spending time with a tramp like Jeník when he has in mind a wealthier husband for her. Bětuška reaffirms her love for Jeník and Veruna supports her, but her father will have none of that. Václav tells her of all the gifts he can give her if she agrees to marry him instead. Bětuška refuses. Martin expresses his anger with her (Dobrá, jdi tedy k němu). The girls return to take Bětuška along with them to collect a bouquet for her to present to the Prince. Thinking they're alone, Václav and Martin discuss what to do. The former expresses frustration feeling that the whole village is mocking him. Martin reassures him that they are both clever Bohemian peasants, (Jsme čestí sedláci, they sing together). They will replace the ladder Jeník usually uses with a plank over a barrel of water. They will beat him after he falls in. However Veruna has been listening and she intends to warn the lovers of the trap. The whole village turn out to greet the Prince and Princess. Wh…

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