Gastone Monaldi

Based on Oscar Wilde's namesake drama. While praying, John the Baptist is captured and taken to Herod's palace, where he's locked in an underground prison. Herode desires Salome, but she has become infatuated with John. When he rejects her, Salome promises revenge. At Herod's feast, she demands John's head, which is brought to her. Herod then orders his soldiers to kill Salome as well.

In medieval Viterbo, Galleana loves Ferdinando but is desired by Count Gherardo, whose schemes lead to her murder. The ensuing conflict and public outrage culminate in Gherardo being handed over to the people of Viterbo for judgment.