The libretto by Enrico Cavacchioli [it] and Guglielmo Emanuel [it] is based on The Gypsies, an 1827 narrative poem by Alexander Pushkin.

Radu swears an oath that if he is allowed to marry Fleana, he will join the band and never again have dealings with his own people.

Act 2 Setting: A Gypsy encampment at an abandoned church on the plains near the river A year has passed.

She then runs away, despite Radu's attempts to stop her, and goes to meet Tamar whose jubilant song is heard in the distance.

They passionately declare their love for each other and disappear into a nearby hut made from straw and wood.