The story takes place in ancient Greece. Palamon and Arcite, two cousins from Thebes, have been captured and imprisoned by Duke Theseus of Athens. From their prison cell, they both see Emily, the Duke's sister-in-law, fall in love with her and immediately begin fighting over her. Several years later, Arcite having been released from prison and Palamon having escaped, the two meet again in Athens and agree to fight a duel over Emily. The duel is interrupted by Duke Theseus who arranges for a tournament to be held between Palamon and Arcite, each accompanied by a hundred knights one year later. Emily will be married to the winner of the tournament. Before the tournament, Palamon prays to Venus that he may marry Emily and Arcite prays to Mars that he may have victory in the tournament. Venus