far from being angry, finds it convenient to marry his daughter off to Pippo, as this will remove any danger that Bettina and Pippo might marry. Bettina, angry at what she sees as Pippo's desertion, says she will marry Laurent. Fritellini, furious, leaves the palace, threatening retaliation. His father is ruler of the powerful neighbouring state of Pisa, and there will be war. Pippo and Bettina, realising that they are being manipulated, escape through a window. Act III Without his mascotte, Laurent's luck has become dreadful again. He is defeated in battle by Fritellini's forces. Pippo and Bettina have joined the latter's ranks. Laurent and Fiametta flee the castle, disguised as vagabonds. They arrive at Fritellini's camp just as the marriage of Captain Pippo and Bettina is taking place. The Prince is delighted, as this will end the good luck the mascotte has brought to Fritellini and those around him. Rocco, to avenge himself on the fallen autocrat, explains to Pippo about the mascotte and the consequences if he consummates his marriage: he will lose his high status in Fritellini's company and become a simple shepherd again. Pippo hesitates, but love wins. The fugitive Prince and his daughter are recognised and arrested. Fiametta is so beautiful in her rags and Fritellini looks so dashing in his beautiful uniform that the two are reconciled and the war can be ended. Happiness becomes general when it emerges that being a mascotte is hereditary, and Bettina emerges from the bridal chamber blushing and promising to have twins. Source: Gänzl's Book of the Musical Theatre. Numbers Acte I Overture Chorus – "La vendange se termine" – Harvesting is over Couplets of sweet wine (3 peasants) – "Il fait fuir l'humeur morose" – It banishes gloom Ballade (Pippo, chorus) – "Un jour le diable" – One day the devil Chorus of village boys – "Allons la belle" – Come, pretty one Couplets (Bettina) – "N'avancez pas ou je tape" – Don't approach me or I'll hit you Chorus – "On aime à voir après la chasse" – After the hunt one loves to see Couplets of omens (Laurent) – "Les gens sensés et sages" – Wise and sagacious people Couplets (Fiametta) – "Ah! qu'il est beau" – Ah, how fine it is Couplets of "je ne sais quoi" (Fritellini, Fiametta) – "D'un athlète ou d'un villageois" – An athlete or a villager Duet (Bettina, Pippo)