There lives Count Orso: will he permit their festivities to pass undisturbed?
The puling voice is crushed by the chorus, which protests that the heavens are above Count Orso.

But another villager tells of Orso's power, and hints at his misdeeds.

The chorus rises in reply, warning all that Count Orso has ears wherever three are congregated; the villagers break apart and eye one another distrustfully, reuniting to the song of Happiness before they disperse.

Camillo enters solus.
Montini, as Camillo, enjoyed a warm reception; but as he advanced to deliver his canzone, it was seen that he and Rocco interchanged glances of desperate resignation.

Camillo has had love passages with Michiella, Count Orso's daughter, and does not hesitate to declare that he dreads her.