The story is set in Naples and tells the story of Cúlio, a young man who hopelessly tries to win Marianneís love, but she is already married. Not daring to approach her, Cúlio calls upon Ciuta, an old woman who agrees to approach Marianne on his behalf and to try to convince her to speak to him in an attempt which unfortunately does not succeed because Marianne is determined to remain faithful to her husband Claudio. Cúlio decides to gain the love of Marianne by calling on his friend Octave, a libertine cousin of Claudio, husband of Dulcinée. Marianne continues to refuse Coelio’s advances but, little by little she falls in love with... Octave.