Summary
The tale unfolds with Palamede, a courtier newly returned to Sicily after a five-year absence, becoming enamored of Doralice's captivating beauty as he hears her sing a song about the fickle nature of marriage. Undeterred by the revelation that she is married, Palamede confesses his love, revealing that he too is set to wed in three days. They agree to meet again, but Doralice departs hastily upon learning that her husband, Rhodophil, is approaching.
Returning to Court
Upon Palamede's return, Rhodophil warmly greets him and commiserates over the impending marriages they both face. Rhodophil shares his disillusionment with marriage, claiming the joy faded after six months. Palamede suggests taking a mistress, advice Rhodophil is already attempting to heed. He is enamored with a woman who is too preoccupied with court life to meet him privately. Their conversation is cut short when Argaleon, the king’s favorite, arrives with a royal summons for Rhodophil.
Royal Intrigues
Amalthea, Argaleon’s sister, engages with a court lady about the king’s unexpected visit to this remote part of Sicily. King Polydamas is on a quest to find his long-lost son. Years ago, after usurping the throne, the former queen fled with her infant son and, surprisingly, Polydamas’s wife Eudoxia. Rumors had suggested the death of Eudoxia, yet whispers now claim their child survived.
Revelations and Deceptions
Polydamas confronts a fisherman with two noble-looking youths he claims as his children. The fisherman is revealed as Hermogenes, who once aided Eudoxia and the queen’s escape. Under threat, Hermogenes admits the queen and Eudoxia perished but maintains that Leonidas, one of the youths, is Polydamas’s son. However, he insists the girl, Palmyra, is his true daughter. Accepting Leonidas as his son, Polydamas decides Palmyra should remain at court to stay near her foster brother.
Tangled Relationships
Palamede meets Melantha, his betrothed by his father's decree, only to find her as superficial as Rhodophil described his own mistress. Discovering that Melantha is indeed Rhodophil’s paramour and Doralice, his wife, only adds to the confusion. The situation becomes more complex when Rhodophil learns of Palamede’s engagement to Melantha.
Forced Alliances and Defiance
Meanwhile, Polydamas commands Leonidas to wed Amalthea. Leonidas’s refusal provokes threats of banishment from Polydamas, yet Amalthea persuades her brother to relent. Leonidas pledges his loyalty to Palmyra, vowing to marry no one else. When Polydamas hears of Leonidas's affection for a commoner, he orders Palmyra to be cast adrift, but Hermogenes thwarts this by proving Palmyra’s royal lineage. Although Polydamas offers Leonidas nobility, he chooses to remain a peasant with Hermogenes.
Comedic Misunderstandings
Palamede and Rhodophil arrange secret meetings with Doralice and Melantha, respectively, at the same time and place. When all four meet, they concoct flimsy excuses, which each accepts with feigned belief. The evening concludes with Palamede departing with Melantha and Rhodophil leaving with Doralice.
Unmasking Truths
Amalthea informs Leonidas of Argaleon’s scheme to marry Palmyra and banish him. Although in love with Leonidas, Amalthea aids his plan to meet Palmyra at a masquerade. Under disguise, Leonidas plans another meeting with Palmyra at Hermogenes’ house, but Argaleon identifies him.
Disguises and Deceptions
Doralice and Melantha, intending to attend a masquerade dressed as boys, stop at a tavern where they exchange barbs, amusing their lovers. The banter ends with Rhodophil's summons to the king, leaving the “boys” to their own devices.
Secrets Unveiled
At Hermogenes’ home, Eubulus, a former governor, informs Palmyra of Leonidas’s true identity as Theagenes, the deceased king’s son. Leonidas shares a plot to overthrow the king and imprison Palmyra for her opposition. Before this can unfold, Polydamas arrives with guards and arrests the...
(This entire section contains 736 words.)
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conspirators.
Resolutions and Reconciliations
Informed of his father’s insistence on marrying Melantha, Palamede seeks advice from her maid, Philotis, on how to woo her. She equips him with French phrases that win Melantha's affection, leading to their engagement. Palamede and Rhodophil agree to honor each other's marriages, and Doralice and Rhodophil reconcile.
Royal Harmonies
The resolution is equally satisfying for the royal family. Argaleon, suspecting Leonidas’s royal heritage, recommends execution, but Polydamas is swayed by Palmyra’s pleas. Amalthea's revelation of Leonidas's true identity saves him, and Rhodophil and Palamede heroically secure his freedom. The new king pardons Polydamas and proposes to Palmyra, which is joyfully accepted. Argaleon is condemned to life imprisonment, and Amalthea, heartbroken, vows a life of devotion.