Notes

Florante and Laura's story begins in a gloomy forest on the fringes of Albania, near the poisonous river Kositong. This is where Florante, who is plagued by bad luck, is imprisoned. Her recollections revolve around how she believes Laura has betrayed her beloved, her deceased father, and the deplorable state of the place she adores.

In the forest, a Moro named Aladin happened to be walking by. When he heard Florante's voice, he hurried after it. Two lions are poised to devour the man, who told Aladin that he killed two wild monsters, and he untied and cared for Florante until he recovered his strength.

Florante reminisced about her life. He was the son of Duke Briseo and Princess Floresca. He was nearly bitten by a vulture before being rescued by his cousin Menalipo of Epirus. His diamond jewelry was snatched by a hawk. His father sent him to Athens to study under Antenor, a teacher. There he met his compatriot Adolfo, who also happened to be his hidden nemesis. When they were performing a play at their school, Menandro saved him from Adolfo's guys. Florante then received a letter informing her of the loss of her loving mother.