Act I. The Palace

Dido, Queen of Carthage, worries that Prince Aeneas, a Trojan warrior, does not truly love her. She seeks comfort from Belinda, her confidant, and handmaiden. The royal court of Carthage, along with Belinda try to encourage the queen to accept the prince’s suit. When the prince comes to see Queen Dido, he deeply declares his love, and slowly Queen Dido relents, and with her acceptance, the court rejoices at the match.

Act ll. The Cave of the Sorceress

The sorceress summons her witches and creatures to set in motion her plan to destroy Queen Dido and instigate the ruin of Carthage.

The sorceress abducts and puts a woman of Carthage under her spell and disguises her as the God Jupiter. This fake spirit orders Prince Aeneas to leave Carthage to rebuild Troy elsewhere. Obedient Aeneas, believing Jove (Jupiter) is speaking, complies and agrees to leave Carthage.

Belinda who witnesses this exchange quickly runs to tell Queen Dido the terrible news.

Act III. The Harbor

The sorceress and her followers celebrate the triumph of their plan and believe that Aeneas will leave Queen Dido and Carthage forever!

They hurriedly scatter when Queen Dido arrives devastated that Aeneas has chosen to leave her. When Aeneas sees Dido’s anguish, he has a change of heart and declares that he will defy Jupiter and stay with her. Nonetheless, Queen Dido has made up her mind and orders him to leave.

In atrocious shame, hurt and pain, Queen Dido decides to end her life. Her beloved people of Carthage cry and mourn her passing.