The book begins by showing how Malaventure, a wealthy English merchant, plans to go overseas to look for a better future. Finally, he settles for Bengal because he formerly partnered with a particular company there. No sooner has he arrived in Bengal than he starts eating life with a big spoon. Before leaving for Bengal, he had only one child. However, a few years later, his wife brings him five children. Having been forgotten about his family, he feels sorry for them. Afterward, his wife dies, leaving him a distressed man.
Nevertheless, Malaventure was consoled by “the beauty and sweet behavior of the young Cleomelia,” who is his daughter (Haywood, 3). Cleomelia is fourteen years old, but her beauty and behavior are enthralling Malaventure. As well, Cleomelia’s beauty attracted another two men named Heartlove and Gasper. What follows is an exchange of letters between Cleomelia, Gasper, Heartlove, and Favonius-Gasper’s father. Cleomelia goes on to get married by several men. Heartlove and Gasper become enemies because each one of them wants to woo Cleomelia. The rivalry between the two leads to violence, where Gasper cuts Heartlove with a sword.
All the relationships between Cleomelia and her lovers end in an ugly manner. Haywood portrays a picture of how wealthy men are sometimes duped by the beauty and squander all their wealth. The merchants entangled in Cleomelia’s web of love are successful businessmen in Bengal. However, Cleomelia’s beauty drives them crazy. Eventually, these men throw away their fortunes and start resenting their lives.
