Act 1, First Scene (p. 293-303) Summary

The young, jilted Rosaura pursues her former lover, Astolfo, the Duke of Muscovy, to Poland in an attempt to retrieve a locket bearing her likeness. Astolfo has traveled to Poland to claim the throne and marry his cousin, the royal Estrella. Meanwhile the aged Basilio, king of Poland, reconsiders his decision which forbids his own son Segismundo from inheriting the throne. Confirmed in his decision by Segismundo's brutal behavior, Basilio announces the wedding of Astolfo and Estrella, and names Astolfo as his heir. Meanwhile the reformed Segismundo gathers an army and marches on the royal palace. Basilio and Segismundo meet on the field of battle and Segismundo is victorious. Basilio is spared dishonor, however, as Segismundo announces his reformation and wisely declares peace to the nation.

The first scene of Act 1 transpires amidst Polish mountain...