The scene of the first and fifth acts is laid on the coast of Samland; that of the second, third, and fourth acts in the capital city. Between the fourth and fifth acts a period of fifteen years elapses. The coast of Samland. The background slopes upward at right and left to wooded hills. Between them is a gorge, behind which the sea glitters. In the right foreground are graves with wooden head-boards and crosses, overgrown with shrubbery. At the left is a stout watch-tower with a door in it. Common household furniture stands about the threshold.
