Prologue

The Astrologer announces ("Ya koldon") that this is just a fairy tale, but one with a valuable moral.



Act One

King Dodon is holding council in his palace. He complains that when he was young, he invaded neighboring countries, but now that he is old and less energetic, they are unfairly taking advantage of the fact by invading his ("Ya vas sdyes"). He demands advice; his son Guidon theorizes that their soldiers are stationed at the border, too close to the enemy. If they withdraw to the capital, then they can prepare while the enemy engages in border skirmishes. General Polkan is the only one who finds a flaw in this plan: what if the enemy takes advantage of the undefended borders to march directly on the capital? Dodon finds this nit-picking to verge on treason, but his son Aphron comes up with another suggestion, first stopping to explain that his brother is (as usual) wrong. He suggests that instead, they disband the army, luring the enemy into false confidence. Then, a month before the attack, the army will be called back for a surprise attack. Dodon is even more delighted with this plan, but Polkan again points out a problem. The enemy might not mention when they plan to attack. His objections are again dismissed. The discussion turns to the best way to predict the future. The Astrologer comes in, carrying a large bag. He says that he has the solution to Dodon's problem ("Slaven bood velikiy tsar"). Opening the bag, he shows the court the golden rooster, saying that it will keep an unceasing vigil and crow to warn the King of any approaching danger. Dodon offers him a reward, and the Astrologer says that he doesn't want wealth, but would rather have the King's promise of a favor to be granted later. He oversteps his bounds when he asks for the promise in writing, and Dodon snaps that his very whims are law. He dismisses them all and the rooster assures Dodon that all is calm and that he can rest peacefully. Dodon imagines the easy future he will have, without having to worry about any threats. As he lazes about, attended by his housekeeper Amalfa, he falls asleep. The rooster crows and a moment later, Polkan and the citizens crowd in, saying that the enemy is attacking. Dodon, waking up, tells the people to give their valuables to the war effort, and his sons to go to war, though they protest that later would be a better time. Dodon calls for his armor and a very docile horse. He is stuffed with some difficulty into the former and hoisted onto the latter. The people sing his praises and urge him not to get too close to the enemy.



Act Two

The two sons and their armies have been killed, and Dodon and Polkan enter. It is still dark, but Dodon sees his sons' bodies and laments for them ("Shto za strashniya"). Rising, he swears revenge. As the sun rises, they can see a beautiful tent, and Polkan orders the soldiers to fire on it. As they aim, the doors open, and the beautiful Queen of Chemakha emerges and sings the Hymn to the Sun ("Otvet mnye zorkoie"), asking the sun to tell her of her homeland's beauties. She greets Dodon and Polkan and coyly tells Dodon that she intends to conquer his kingdom through her charms, and that his sons died fighting over her. As they drink the wine she offers, she describes hearing a lover's voice during the night and wonders who it might have been. Dodon's infatuation is more to her taste than Polkan's sardonic comments, and she has Dodon dismiss him. To his stammering delight, she goes on to describe the beauties that he cannot see, as she is wearing clothing ("Sbrochu chopornya tkany"). She asks him to sing for her, and he makes a brave attempt ("Budu vek tibya lubit"). She returns to her seductions ("Da, doydesh do vostoka"), saying that she is lonely and unfulfilled without a man to be her lord and master. Dodon proposes himself for that role. She makes him dance for her, which he does, not noticing her derision. She accepts his offer, provided that he have Polkan punished, and Dodon offers to have him beheaded. As her slaves sing ironically of Dodon's glory, they leave.



Act Three

Outside Dodon's palace, the citizens are awaiting his return, many perturbed by the thought that the gathering storm is an evil omen. Amalfa announces that Dodon has conquered four kings (hearts, spades, diamonds, clubs) and rescued a princess, whom he is bringing back as his Queen. She orders them to celebrate. The Queen's bizarre retinue enters, followed by Dodon and the Queen. He is strangely uneasy and she looks about coldly. As the people shout Dodon's praises, the Astrologer enters. He demands the promised reward—the Queen. Dodon offers him treasures instead, but as the Astrologer insists that he keep his promise, Dodon finally angrily strikes him with his scepter, killing him. Thunder peals and the Queen laughs. Dodon tries to kiss her, but she pushes him away, telling him he is repulsive, and his own death is imminent. He gasps that she is joking. The rooster suddenly descends from the perch and strikes him on the head, killing him. As the stage goes dark, the Queen laughs wildly, and when it lightens again, she and the rooster are gone. The people wonder what will become of them without their King ("Umer tsar").



Epilogue

The Astrologer reminds the audience that this was not a tragedy; only he and the Queen were real, the rest of the characters just figures from a fairy tale.

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