Emilia Galotti plot
The lusty, tyrannical Prince of Guastalla falls in love with Emilia, the daughter of Colonel Odoardo Galotti. He sends his chamberlain Marinelli to bring her to him after he prevents her upcoming marriage to Count Appiani. After his attempt to send Appiani away on a diplomatic mission fails, Marinelli takes a less subtle approach to the situation by having the wedding coach ambushed by bandits. Appiani is shot in battle and Emilia and her mother are taken to the prince's palace. The mother has correctly estimated the prince's intentions and the associated consequences for her daughter. The father, who had also just rushed to the palace, hears the same from Countess Orsina, the prince's jealous mistress. Father Galotti is beside himself with anger and wants Emilia to come home immediately, but the prince does not want this to happen.