It is based on a farce by Josef Kajetán Tyl,[citation needed] and the story also had been treated as the fairy tale Devil and Káča by Božena Němcová.

This can be attributed to the high demand for Italian grand operas in his time and the difficulties of Dvořák's intricate staging.

The opera has great appeal because of its combination of fairy tale and folk music; it is very close in feel to a Czech tone poem.

John Clapham has written critical analysis of the opera and noted the presence of the style of Wagnerian declamation in the work.

[1] On a summer evening, Jirka, slightly intoxicated, begs to be excused from further dancing outside the village inn, as he will be in trouble with his employer, the Princess's Steward, if he does not return to his work.

Meanwhile, Lucifer questions Marbuel about his trip, and agrees that the Princess should be brought to Hell, while the Steward should be threatened but reprieved for the time being.

The latter slams the gate shut, to the great relief of all, especially Marbuel, who remarks that music has succeeded in doing what the denizens of Hell could not.

The Princess has started to repent her misdeeds, but fears that nothing can save her, since the Steward was only doing her bidding and it is she whom the devils must carry to Hell.

The moon illuminates the room and then the light turns red as Marbuel appears, telling the Princess that her time on Earth is up.

The grateful Princess appoints Jirka as her new Prime Minister, and agrees that Kate shall have the best house in the town and plenty of money.