Three-act comedy.
Lélio and his valet Arlequin have both sworn to renounce women. Though Lélio maintains his resolve upon meeting a young widowed countess who hates men, Arlequin becomes infatuated with her servant Colombine. When Lélio and the Countess meet to arrange a marriage between two of their other servants, Colombine and Arlequin decide to wed but can do so only if Lélio and the Countess will marry as well. Although the two aristocrats are attracted to each other, past vows of celibacy prevent them from admitting their love. Through adroit stratagems Colombine and Arlequin succeed in manoeuvring Lélio and the Countess into a mutual declaration of love.