love potion to be administered to Hildegarde but Schnapslotte drank it herself. Tilly's mother enters Melchior's cell and again attempts to seduce him, claiming him to be her long lost husband. Melchior gives in, and admits that his own horoscope had indeed predicted something along these lines. The General returns triumphant from battle against the Swedes and brings Ebba with him as his prisoner. She has been identified as the source of the suspect Swedish correspondence found in the Baron's residence, and is presented with both Arnim and Melchior. She identifies Melchior as the addressee of the letters, and Arnim is freed. Simplicius brings in the other Swedish prisoners, who, at the command of the General, are to boost camp morale by singing. But the prisoners' destiny reminds all of their own sacrifices and losses during this war. Simplicius retreats into the forest. Others follow him. They meet with a peasant (Wendelin) who had all but given up hope of ever being reunited with his son. The fact that Wendelin is still alive negates the will made so many years before by his wife, the Countess von Vliessen. Finally, Tilly and Simplicius as well as Hildegarde and Arnim find their happiness in each other. Recordings EMI Classics (2000): Conductor Franz Welser-Möst and the Zürich Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Michael Volle, Elizabeth Magnuson, Martin Zysset, Oliver Widmer, Cheyne Davidson, Piotr Beczała, Liliana Nikiteanu, Martina Janková, and Louise Martini. References External links Simplicius, details, roles, synopsis German-language operettas Operas by Johann Strauss II 1887 operas Operas Operas based on novels