The scene: one of the castle terraces.

It is early afternoon, and Manfredo is bidding Fiora farewell with tenderness, repeat-ing the love song, "Tell me, O Fiora, why do I leave you once more?" From the castle courtyard rise the calls of trumpets, and Manfredo says in a choked voice that within a few minutes he will be on his way to the valley. He presses Fiora to climb up to the watchtower that adjoins the upper terrace where they stand, and to wave her kerchief to him, so that it may be the last thing on which his eyes fall as he leaves her.

Fiora promises to carry out his wish, pitying this man whom she does not love...

Manfredo departs, and Fiora climbs the stone steps that lead to the watchtower. While she

stands sending her gaze out over the wall she hears her name; she turns toward the voice and sees Avito, disguised in the dress of the royal guard. She begs him to leave the place... forever. She has been touched to her depths by Manfredo's tenderness and devotion, and does not wish to continue her sinful liaison with Avito. Her words are cut short by the entrance of a servant carrying a box to Fiora, in which is a long white scarf sent to her by Manfredo. So she returns to the wall of the watchtower and waves the scarf, calmly and slowly.

Archibaldo rages and orders her back to her chamber, saying: "Do not lie to me!" The trumpets ring out from without, announcing Manfredo's return. He enters the hall and greets his father the king with great tenderness, then tells

him of his joy at returning to his home and his young wife.

Fiora comes out of her chamber and greets him, hiding the truth of her feelings behind the words of welcome with which she showers him:

— I went out onto the terrace before dawn, watching for your return. Is it not so, father?

Archibaldo, unwilling to wound his son's feelings, confirms her words. Manfredo embraces his wife with gentleness and affection and leads her to her chamber. The old king remains alone, and lifts his hands on high, saying: "O God, since you have taken my eyes from me, make me truly blind!"

Avito comes down the steps and stands below her. He reaches up to touch the scarf in her hand,