THE scene is Alcina's enchanted island, where the sorceress is living ‘in wanton Idleness’ with the paladin Ruggiero, whom she has bewitched. She has transformed her former lovers, when she tired of them, into rocks, trees and wild beasts. One of her victims is another paladin, Astolfo, shipwrecked on the island with his young son Oberto. Alcina changed Astolfo into a lion, but took pity on the boy and ‘suffered him to live, in his own Form, comforting him for the Loss of his Father’. Ruggiero's spouse Bradamante sets out to rescue him, accompanied by her ‘Governor’ Melisso, who is equipped with a magic ring. Act I opens in a desert Place terminated by high cragg y Mountains, at the Foot of which opens a little cave. Bradamante in warlike Men's Habit and Melisso also in warlike Habit have just landed. Alcina's sister Morgana comes out of the cave to welcome them and looking tenderly at Bradamante, instantly falls in love with him/her. A Noise of Thunder and Lightning, the Mountain suddenly opens and breaks to Pieces, and vanishing, leaves to View the beautiful Palace of Alcina, where she, adorning herself, sits by Rogero, who holds a Mirrour. Oberto at her side, Pages and Damsels, who bring in different Habits, other young Knights and Ladies, with Chaplets of Flowers on their Heads, form the Chorus and a Dance. They acclaim this ‘Seat of endless Pleasure’. Bradamante and Melisso stay some time admiring the Magnificence of the Place and Pomp. Bradamante recognises Ruggiero, but Melisso silences her and advancing towards Alcina, introduces her as Ricciardo, asking for shelter till the storm is over. Alcina welcomes them and bids Ruggiero show them the beauties of her palace and gardens, including the place where she and Ruggiero first declared their love. Oberto asks the newcomers for news of his father. Bradamante (aside to Melisso) is sure that he will be ranging the woods as a wild beast. Oberto weeps and entreats their help. Ruggiero recognises Ricciardo as Bradamante's brother, but says he now loves Alcina. When Bradamante and Melisso reproach him for abandoning his sword, shield and heroic reputation as well as his bride, Ruggiero, looking round for Alcina, tells them not to bother him.