La Tragique Aventure de Robert le Taciturne, duc d'Aquitaine

Overview

Robert the Silent earned his nickname with his dejected and taciturn demeanor. One day, a run through the forest led him to a Gypsy encampment. He interrupted the dance of one of the Gypsy women, but she resumed her dance, and the Duke was captivated by her grace and charm. The following day, he invited her to his castle, which she accepted. When she arrived at the castle, the Duke had fallen asleep. So, while waiting, she practiced a few steps. In his dream, the Duke saw Gyska dancing the same dance before her family. A kiss awakened him, and he joyfully found her ready to give him her love. But as they made love, the bed curtain was drawn back by the Duchess, who summoned two guards and ordered them to seize the young woman and make her disappear. Then she appeared to the young Gypsy woman, who tried to leave. Arrested, she was thrown into a dungeon. Robert, learning the truth from his wife, tries to intervene but it is too late. So, beside Gyska's body, he drinks poison in one gulp.