In the 18th century Europe, a princess named Aspasie finds herself in a precarious situation, largely due to her family's criminal actions. As she travels in a horse-drawn carriage alongside her lady-in-waiting, Corine, Aspasie reveals a shocking truth: the rightful heir to the throne, Prince Agis, was whisked away after the untimely death of his parents and remains unaware of his royal lineage. In order to navigate the complexities of their world, both women decide to disguise themselves as men.
In a flashback, Aspasie is enchanted by a moment when she stumbles upon Agis, who is revealed to be naked in the woods. However, she is thwarted from getting closer by Hermocrates, the philosopher, who becomes a barrier between her and Agis. Back in the present, Aspasie confides in Corine that to approach the prince, she’ll have to pose as a man since he harbors a strong dislike for women.
Upon arriving at Hermocrates' esteemed residence, Aspasie takes on the identity of Phocion and requests to meet the great philosopher. Harlequin, the servant, unfortunately informs her that such a meeting is out of the question. Aspasie, determined to maintain her ruse, introduces Corine as her male counterpart.
Phocion subsequently encounters Leontine, Hermocrates' sister, who is persistent in her scientific pursuits. Aspasie, keen to remain at the estate, flirts with Leontine, coaxing her into believing she is still attractive, contrary to her own insecurities. In a bizarre twist, Leontine starts seeing an audience in the garden, adorned in outfits reminiscent of the 20th century, amplifying the strangeness of their escapade.
While the two women navigate their dual identities, they are invited to stay at Hermocrates' estate, where Aspasie, as Phocion, finally meets the philosopher. Although Hermocrates suspects he recognizes Phocion, Aspasie cleverly keeps her royal secret hidden while insinuating attraction towards him, despite his belief in the moral failings associated with relationships with women.
In due course, Phocion encounters Agis, who is preoccupied with shooting arrows at a target that resembles the princess he detests. Aspasie expresses a desire to befriend him under her male guise, hoping to bond with him over the art of archery. Unbeknownst to her, Harlequin seems to harbor feelings for Corine, adding yet another layer of complication to their charade.
As events unfold, Agis ultimately discovers that Aspasie is indeed a woman and that her intentions extend beyond mere friendship. Meanwhile, Aspasie must skillfully maintain her charade before both Hermocrates and Leontine, leading to romantic misunderstandings that culminate in marriage proposals from both. The situation spirals into chaos when Leontine discovers the truth, leading her to faint from the shock.
A pivotal moment arises when a response to a message intended for the princess finds its way back to her. Soon, Aspasie reemerges in a lavish carriage, donning the attire of royalty, accompanied by a troop of mounted men. With courage, she confesses her deception and declares that she will relinquish her claim to the throne, affirming that Agis is the true king. This revelation stirs anger in Agis, who commands the princess to leave and never return.
Ultimately, amidst the turmoil, Leontine sees success in her experimental endeavors and finds joy in her achievements. Meanwhile, Agis reflects on his own mistake regarding Aspasie and rushes after her—not with malicious intent, but with hopes of reconciling and inviting her back into his life.
As the narrative draws to a conclusion, the audience witnesses a remarkable transformation, applauding as the cast transitions into 20th-century attire, embodying the whims of time and the complexities of love and identity.
