The story of Ludvig, the mad king of Bavaria, has for many years fired the imagination of poets and musicians all over the world. Ludvig, a handsome and intelligent youth of twenty-two, fell in love with the beautiful princess Sophia, and they were soon betrothed. But suddenly, just a few weeks before the wedding date Ludvig broke off the engagement. Heartbroken, Sophia waited for an explanation but one never came, and Ludvig slipped into a strange melancholy that verged on madness. Nineteen years passed, and the princess unable to forget, went to Ludvig's cousin to plead with her for some affirmation.