The action takes place in the court of king Henri The Fourth ,who was very fond of women.He sets his heart on Mademoiselle De Montmorency who could be his granddaughter (she's 17,he's 57).He marries her to Prince De Condé,provided that His Majesty will replace him for the wedding night.But young handsome Condé is not prepared to accept it and he runs away with his wife, to the monarch's great displeasure.Both take refuge in a monastery .