King and Charcoal Burner

About the show

During a hunt, the lost King Matyáš arrives incognito at the charcoal burner Matěj’s hut. Matěj welcomes him, while his daughter Liduška and the young charcoal burner Jeník love each other but are kept apart by their poverty. The disguised king kisses Liduška, prompting Jeník’s jealousy; after the royal party discovers the king, Jeník leaves for the army. Later, at the Prague court, the king stages a mock trial of Matěj’s family and arranges for Jeník to marry Liduška. Jeník accepts when he learns she is his intended bride; the king ultimately blesses their union and that of Jindřich and Eva. The king thanks the charcoal burner’s family for the hospitality and lessons they gave him.