ACT I

On the island of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), it is time to choose a chief. The fishermen elect Zurga. He recognizes his childhood friend Nadir, who has been away for a year. They reminisce about the night they both fell in love with the same dazzling veiled Hindu priestess and swore to honor their friendship above their rivalry for her.

A dazzling veiled Hindu priestess is being transported by the high priest Nourabad to the temple, where she will keep a singing vigil. Zurga, in his new capacity as king, swears her to obedience: she will sing and pray the whole night to protect the fishermen, and she will remain veiled and pure. Nadir recognizes her as Leïla, the woman whom–despite his vow to Zurga–he has never ceased to love.

ACT II

Nourabad informs Leïla that the fishermen have finished the night’s labors and she may sleep until dawn. He reminds her of her vows. She reminds him that she knows how to keep promises, telling him of a time when she, as a girl, saved the life of a fugitive, who gave her the necklace she wears. Left alone, she dreams of Nadir and wakes to the sound of his voice. At first she tries to send him away, but soon they proclaim their love and pledge to meet each night. Now both have broken their vows.

As Nadir is leaving, he is discovered by the fishermen, who clamor for the couple’s death. Zurga arrives and at first claims clemency for his friend, that Nadir and the priestess be merely banished. But when Nourabad tears off her veil and Zurga recognizes Leïla, his former love, he is furious. He orders the two to be put to death. A tempest erupts.

ACT III

The storm is calmed. Zurga regrets his rashness in condemning Leïla and Nadir. Leïla enters and begs him to execute her alone. Her pleas kindle his love and also his jealousy. He will show no mercy. As Leïla is led off to die, she gives her necklace to one of the fishermen, asking it to be given to her mother. Zurga sees and seizes the necklace.

Villagers dance wildly around the funeral pyre, thirsty for the death of the guilty couple. Zurga rushes in with the news that the village is ablaze. Everyone runs to save the children. Zurga tells Nadir and Leĩla that he himself set the fire as a diversion so that he could free them, and he reveals that he was the fugitive who gave her the necklace. They gratefully flee, and Zurga remains behind.