This is due to the ramshackle, melodramatic plot rather than the quality of the music, which at its best (notably in the woodland scenes and dances) approaches the poetic, lyric grace of Smetana, Dvořák and the spirit of the work's dedicatee, Frédéric Chopin.

The main plot of the drama springs from his prior meeting in the woods with Maria, an orphan of the old Polish aristocracy, whose beauty has captivated him.

After a brief orchestral Introduction evoking the magic of the woods, Czapliński meets with his fiancée Maria and her friends, but on the approach of a hunting party they retreat.

After a Krakowiak is danced the Voyevode describes his meeting with the beautiful young woman, which causes Jadwiga to leave in jealous fury with her friends and admirers.

The Voyevode orders him to be thrown into the woods, and declares to the shaken Maria that he will marry her one week hence - which stuns the returning Jadwiga.

After a lively Polonaise, Jadwiga appears uninvited and is surprised before she can pour her poison into Maria's goblet by Dziuba, who tries to flirt with her.

To cheer up the guests old Dzjuba calls for another diversion: a rousing Cossack dance, which ceases abruptly as Czapliński and his friends burst into the hall.

She begs his pardon in vain, and the angry Voyevode orders his immediate execution, after which Maria can enter a nunnery as far as he's concerned.

Oleśnicki, coming from the garden, is amazed to see his beloved Jadwiga in the Voyevode's arms and places the poison in his master's goblet.

The poison takes swift effect, and as the Voyevode announces the death sentence he himself drops dead, to Jadwiga's horror and Oleśnicki's malicious glee.