The Devil’s Wall

(Craggy wooded landscape by the castle of Rožmberk, 13th century) It is morning, and the steward of Rožmberk Castle, Michálek, who is in the service of the Lord of South Bohemia, Vok Vítkovic of Ruže, meets the knight Jarek. Jarek has returned from unsuccessfully having paid court to the widow of the Mandalena of behalf of his lord. The two men are ashamed that their glorious and gentle master, so eminent in the Czech kingdom, cannot find a bride (Duet). In a bout of allegiance Jarek swears to God that he himself will not marry until Vok has done so (Aria). His oath is overheard by Rarach, an evil spirit, disguised as a hermit. Michálek and Jarek leave and Rarach meets the hermit Beneš, his double. The holy man recognizes him as a demon who still accompanies him (Duet). After their departure, Michálek's daughter, Katuška enters, looking forward to Jarek's return (Aria). Girls with scythes come in from the harvest to greet her (Chorus) and Jarek appears, but Katuška holds back, thinking that as she is from a simple family she is not worthy of a knight. Jarek dismisses her doubts and assures her of his love (Aria). They embrace and promise each other (Duet) but Rarach appears, mocking them, and reminding Jarek of his oath of bachelorhood. Vok arrives with his royal retinue, including his young nephew Záviš. The castle folk welcome (Chorus). Vok asks Jarek about the outcome of his quest, but is not surprised when Jarek says that Vok has been refused: Vok is resigned to grow old …

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