from Act II, Scene 1 of the English opera
The Bohemian Girl by Michael William Balfe
Libretto: Alfred Bunn
Voice Part: mezzo-soprano
Setting: A gypsy camp, near Presburg
Synopsis: The Queen is in love with Thaddeus, a young man in the camp. However, he prefers Arline. Before the entire company of gypsies, Arline has declared her love for Thaddeus and her desire to marry him. After some hesitation, the Queen blesses the union. Then, she expresses her sorrow in a ballad.