Rodelinda (Handel). Libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym; 3 acts; first performance London 1725.

Milan, 7th cent.: King Bertarido, Rodelinda's husband and father of Flavio, is reported to have died in battle. Grimoaldo, her husband's enemy, wants to marry Rodelinda, but she rejects him. His friend Garibaldo declares his love for Eduige, Bertarido's sister, because he wants to inherit her money - she really loves Grimoaldo. Bertarido, in disguise, observes his wife agreeing to Grimoaldo's proposal, not knowing it is under threat of Flavio's death. However, Rodelinda declares that it is not possible for her to be the wife of Grimoaldo and, at the same time, mother of the true future king, so she requests Grimoaldo to murder Flavio in her presence. He cannot bring himself to do this. An old friend, Unulfo, brings about the reunion of Bertarido and Rodelinda, whereupon Grimoaldo arrests Bertarido and sentences him to death. Eduige and Unulfo plot his escape and Unulfo manages to lead him to freedom. Garibaldo tries to kill Grimoaldo, but Bertarido kills Garibaldo. Grimoaldo gives up all claim to Bertarido's inheritance and marries Eduige.