The King of France is ill with a mysterious disease that his physicians have failed to cure. The only doctor capable of curing his disease is dead, but his books and papers (now in his daughter Helena's possession) contain a cure. Helena lives under the guardianship of the Countess of Rousillon, and is in love with the Countess' son, Bertram. Forced to attend the King at court and denied permission to fight in Italy, Bertram does not reciprocate Helena's feelings, scorning her lower social status.
