 Count Ferdinando Eboli is about to leave his home in Naples to fight for his king, King Murat (Gioacchino), but before he leaves he pays a farewell visit to his fiancée Adalinda, and her father, the Marchese Spina.After he leaves, Adalinda is musing over her love for him when she hears a noise beneath her window, and is surprised to see Ferdinand there.He climbs up into her room and asks for a lock of her hair, but he cuts his hand while snipping it.