Act I. In the summer-house of her palace _Dido_ tells her retainers

that the savage Numidian King, Jarbas, has asked for her hand, but she has decided to live only for the memory of her dead husband. Today, however, shall be devoted to festive games. The lyric poet _Jopas_ enters and announces the approach of strangers, who have escaped from the dangers of the sea. They arrive and _Ascanius_, son of _Æneas_, begs entertainment for a few days for himself and his companions. This _Dido_ gladly grants them. Her Minister, _Narbal_, rushes in. The Numidian king has invaded the country. Who will march against him? _Æneas_, who had concealed himself in disguise among his sailors, steps forth and offers to defend the country against the enemy.