Giorgio is a poor student in search of a fortune. All he has in the world are his good looks. So one day he sets off on his horse to try to win the hand of a rich and beautiful princess. The Princess Charlotte, he is told, rules with a heart of gold, which would be a treasure beyond compare to gain. On his way, Giorgio is waylaid by an old woman who makes a wicked suggestion: she will help him to succeed in his quest if he will bring her the Princess's golden heart.