Ulrica (Elizabeth McLeod, centre, peering into cauldron) has drawn the locals to her cavern because of her reputation for foretelling the future. She calls on the devil to aid her.



Silvano (Peter Price), a sailor, arrives and wants his fortune told. Ulrica predicts that he will soon have both money and a promotion. Riccardo, who has arrived before his courtiers, makes both predictions come true by secretly slipping gold and an advancement notice into Silvano’s pocket.



A servant announces that someone wishes a private audience with Ulrica. She dismisses the townsfolk, though Riccardo hides and listens because he recognizes Amelia’s servant. Amelia (Maria Knight) confesses that she loves Riccardo, and begs for a spell that might rip him from her heart. Ulrica (Elizabeth McLeod) tells the horrified woman she must go at midnight to the place of execution, and pick an herb that grows at the base of the gallows. Amelia leaves.



The townspeople return, and Riccardo (Taras Chmil) asks Ulrica to read his hand. After searching his palm, she refuses to say more. He insists, and she is forced to reveal that he is to be murdered by the first man to shake his hand that night. The courtiers are horrified, and though Riccardo makes fun of the prophecy, his courtiers refuse to shake his hand.



When Renato (Yevgeny Yablonovsky) arrives and takes Riccardo’s hand, everyone is relieved — they know the men are best friends. Silvano (Peter Price) leads the townsfolk in a chorus of praise for the Count.

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