The French libretto, by Victor-Joseph Étienne de Jouy and Armand-Michel Dieulafoy, is based on the life of the English poet John Milton.

The composer planned a reworked version for performances in Germany under the title Das verlorene Paradies (Paradise Lost), but in the event it was never staged.

[1] The blind poet Milton and his daughter Emma, fearing political persecution by King Charles II, find refuge with the Quaker Godwin.

In reality, Arthur is Sir William Davenant, who has adopted this disguise because he is in love with Emma.

In the end, Davenant reveals his true identity and brings Milton a letter from the king promising he will not be punished.