Der Evangelimann
In 1820, Mathias loves Martha, foster daughter of magistrate Friedrich Engel. Mathias’s brother Johannes, jealous of Martha, starts an intrigue. After Mathias and Martha pledge fidelity, Johannes sets fire to the monastery, but Mathias is arrested for the crime. In 1850, Mathias has completed a twenty-year sentence and travels as a preacher. Martha has died, and Johannes, now rich but gravely ill, meets Mathias again. Mathias forgives him, allowing Johannes to die in peace.