The Apothecary

Setting: Venice

The Apothecary's shop

Sempronio, the Apothecary, is guardian to his beautiful, rich ward, Grilletta. Like many another in his situation, he is keen to marry her in order to secure her fortune. He has two rivals: One is Mengone, who is in love with her, and despite a quite startling lack of medical knowledge, has become the Apothecary's apprentice to be near her.