His Excellency
In Elsinore, the governor Griffenfeld’s practical jokes anger the townspeople and damage his daughters’ romantic prospects. The Prince Regent arrives in disguise and joins one of Griffenfeld’s schemes, pretending to issue false honors. When Griffenfeld reveals the supposed visit as a joke, the Regent exposes himself as real and makes the honors permanent, while confirming Griffenfeld’s demotion. The couples are united.