Testoride argonauta

Testoride, King of the Argonauts and eternal rival of Ícaro, King of Caria, returns victorious from war, only to discover that his daughter Irene has been kidnapped by pirates and sold to his enemy. He immediately sets out in search of her, but a storm carries him to Caria, where he is captured and imprisoned as an ordinary Greek. Meanwhile, Calcante, Testoride’s son, also sets out in search of his sister, using the false name Leucippo. At Ícaro’s court, he manages to conceal his identity and is therefore warmly received.

The action takes place in Ícaro’s palace, on the day the king prepares to announce his marriage to Irene, with whom he has fallen in love, unaware that she is the daughter of his enemy. Nicea, Ícaro’s sister, declares her love for Leucippo but is rejected. At Irene’s request, Ícaro decides to free the prisoners, among whom is Testoride. Hearing him, Irene and Leucippo recognise their father, who asks them to flee with him to Greece. Irene is torn between filial obedience and her love for Ícaro, and her behaviour begins to arouse suspicion.

After reflecting on her dilemma, Irene chooses to flee with her father and brother, but the plan is betrayed by Nicea. Discovered during their escape, the three are arrested and their identities are finally revealed. Ícaro decides to forgive the three relatives, and his marriage to Irene seals a new friendship between Caria and the Greeks.