Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra

The Earl of Leicester returns to England after his great victory over Scotland. As a present to the Queen, he brings with him hostages consisting of the nobility of Scotland. Included among these hostages is the Earl's secret wife, Matilda. This problem is aggravated even more by the fact that the Queen loves the Earl. Through Norfolk the Queen discovers that the Earl is married to Matilda and sends them both to prison. The Queen then convinces Matilda to sign a document renouncing all claims to the Earl in exchange for his freedom. After Matilda saves the Queen's life from Norfolk, the Queen decides to free both the Earl and Matilda.