He plans on invoking “droit du seigneur,” the feudal right that allows a lord to consummate a servant girl before her husband, on her wedding night.
Figaro, Count Almaviva’s servant, also the protagonist, is on the verge of marrying Susanna, maid to the Countess. As he takes measurements of a room, Susanna is trying on her wedding bonnet, as they sing the duet “Five, ten, twenty,” or “Cinque, dieci, venti.” Sussana expresses her concerns about being too close for comfort to the Count’s chamber, who is also pursuing her. He plans on invoking “droit du seigneur,” the feudal right that allows a lord to consummate a servant girl before her husband, on her wedding night. Although the Count himself abolished this ritual when marrying Countess Rosina, he wants it reinstated. Figaro vows to put an end to the Count’s schemes and leaves, as “If you want to dance, sir count” plays in the background.