THE Argument, translated almost literally from the source libretto, clarifies some details before the action begins. ‘Hymeneus was a Youth of Athens, who fell in Love with a noble Damsel [Rosmene], without Hope of ever obtaining her; yet he assiduously pursued her, and often found Means to be with her and other of her Companions, by dressing himself in a female Dress, so that his Fraud could not be suspected.

‘Thus it happen’d, that he, with his Beloved (and many others [including Clomiri], who went forth from Athens to a Sacrifice to Eleusinian Ceres) were forced away by some Pyrates, who came on them by surprize; and when they had got many Miles distant with ‘em, rejoicing in their Prey, and spent with Toil, went ashoar; and retiring to a Place where they thought themselves safe, lay down to sleep. Hymeneus taking that Opportunity to deliver himself, and the captive Virgins, had the good Fortune to kill all the Pyrates before any one could awake; and returning to the City, promis’d to restore to the Athenians their lost Children, if they would give her, he so lov’d, to him for a Wife …’.

Act I. The scene of all three Acts is A Pleasant Garden (Deliziosa). Tirinto laments the loss of Rosmene, to whom he is betrothed. Argenio, who has lost his daughter Clomiri, says there is no news of the captured virgins. Both pray to Ceres for help. A chorus of Athenians announces the approach of Imeneo with good tidings. Tirinto is going in search of Rosmene, when Imeneo enters, briefly explains his successful rescue and asks for Rosmene as a reward. Argenio, to Tirinto's distress, promises his support. Rosmene and Clomiri enter, and a scene of mingled welcome and embarrassment follows: both men love Rosmene, and Clomiri loves Imeneo. Argenio gives a warning against jealousy. Imeneo tells Rosmene she ought to accept him for saving her life. She replies, addressing each in turn, that she is grateful to Imeneo but loves Tirinto. Imeneo asks Tirinto to give her up.