Hildegarde tells Arnim that she has been promised to another, yet loses her heart to Arnim. The General is indignant when his daughter turns up on the arm of a stranger who has the audacity to ask for her hand in marriage. Arnim proudly points out his family heritage, calling himself the Baron von Grübben. Pleased at this unexpected turn of events, General von Vliessen announces their immediate engagement. During the festivities, Simplicius arrives with a bound captive, Melchior, whom he had discovered in the camp and arrested as an enemy. Before Melchior can be hanged he announces that he too is the Baron von Grübben, and as proof presents Wendelin's letter. The confusion is deepened when an imperial dispatch arrives from Vienna claiming that suspect papers and documents have been discovered in the residence of one Baron von Grübben. These papers are linked to Sweden, and orders are given to place the Baron under arrest until further notice. Melchior, who we know is in fact involved with the Swede Ebba, denies the allegations. Both Arnim and Melchior are placed under arrest, and Simplicius is made an ensign. The troops set out to fight the Swedes. Act 3 Six months later in a castle courtyard in Hanau As Wendelin despairs of ever being reunited with his son a group of angry peasants hunt down Simplicius for ever acting the fool. Simplicius finds himself facing arrest under the orders of the Sergeant-major. Arnim and Melchior, still imprisoned, reach an understanding. Melchior agrees to give up his claim to Hildegarde on condition that the family fortune tied up in the marriage deal be handed over to him. Arnim agrees. Before being able to tell Hildegarde the good news, General von Vliessen receives a new order from Vienna: a wild young man named Simplicius must be found. Whoever should find him is honour-bound to treat him with respect as he is none other than the son of Baron von Grübben. The General immediately promotes Simplicius to the rank of lieutenant and orders him to marry Hildegarde. Arnim is overjoyed at meeting his long-lost brother again. Simplicius agrees to be married but is confused, especially as Tilly now demands to know his feelings towards her. Schnapslotte offers Tilly more homely advice as Simplicius and Tilly talk of love. Melchior finds himself a victim of his own cunning: he had secretly given Tilly's mother a