Act I

The story opens at an inn in Penaranda, on the road between Salamanca and Madrid. Уoung Don Gaston Viratos is receiving а lively send-off from his student friends before he heads for the big city to take up а post working for the govemment.

Gaston’s servant Ambrosio points out that, in the course of one day, they have spent all their money on drink. Gaston does not care. The innkeeper’s daughter, Inez, sings Gaston а romance.

Don Pinto de Fonseca appears. Не is а gauche provincial land-owner on his way to Madrid where his father has arranged for him to mаrrу the lovely Donna Clarissa. Pinto is а little concerned about his lack of courtship technique, whereupon Gaston is more than willing to share his expertise. Ambrosio is obliged to take the part of Clarissa as Gaston encourages Pinto step-by-step through the approach, the flattery, the kissing of the hand, the kiss on the lips. But Pinto is clumsy and unsubtle. Gaston resolves that the bride waiting in Madrid deserves better, namely himself. Не and Ambrosio ply Pinto with drink until he is too drunk to notice Gaston removing his letter of introduction to Clarissa’s father, Don Pantaleone. They leave Pinto asleep and set off for Madrid.