They have accordingly been betrothed.

But Silvio is indifferent to womankind in general, and Amarilli loves a handsome stranger, Mirtillo, supposed to be the son of Carino.

The plot turns upon the unexpected fulfillment of the prophecy, in spite of the human means which have been blindly taken to secure its accomplishment.

Amarilli is condemned to death for suspected misconduct with a lover; and Mirtillo, who has substituted himself as victim in her place, is found to be the lost son of Montano.

This solution of the intrigue, effected by an anagnorisis like that of the _Oedipus Tyrannus_, supplies a series of dramatic scenes and thrilling situations in the last act.