The chateau and grounds of count Arnheim, on the Danube, near Presburg. On one side, the principal entrance to the castle; opposite is a statue of the emperor.
[N. 1 - Up with the banner, and down with the slave]
[N. 2 - Cavatina: 'Tis sad to leave our father-land]
[N. 3 - In the gipsy's life you may read]
(In a moment they strip the soldier's dress off Thaddeus, and as they are putting a gipsy's frock, etc., over him, a roll of parchment, with seal attached, falls at the feet of Devilshoof, who seizes it)
Have you seen anyone pass this way
(Loud shouts and alarms are heard, which become more and more distinct)
[N. 4 - Song: Is no succour near at hand?]
(Thaddeus is seen rushing in, conveying Arline, who is wounded in the arm, and seems faint.)
We were pursued by the wild deer
(A variety of dances are introduced, during which Buda is seen at one of the windows holding on her knee the child, whose arm is bound up)
[N. 5 - Down with the daring slave]
(The festivities are interrupted by a violent shrieking, the window is thrown open, and Buda, pale, and with dishevelled hair, signifies by gestures that Arline has disappeared)
[N. 6 - What sounds break on the air?]
(During the prayer, Devilshoof is seen climbing up the rocks with Arline in his arms)
[N. 7 - Follow, follow with heart and with arm]