Calvo, a Greek scholar, and his adopted son, Tito, are approaching Italy by boat when they are set upon by pirates. Calvo gives Tito jewels and a ring (Calvo's signet) and instructs him to swim to shore, sell the jewels, and use the money to pay the pirates' ransom. Tito makes his way to Florence, where he forgets all about Calvo and marries Romola, the daughter of a blind scholar. With the assistance of Spini, an adventurer, Tito rises to the position of chief magistrate. Tito becomes unpopular with the people by his bad conduct: he sells Romola's father's sacred books, enters into a mock marriage with Tessa, a peasant girl, and condemns to death the beloved champion of the people, the priest Savonarola. Incited to fury by the cleric's death, a mob goes after Tito, who drowns in the river. Romola finds Tessa and cares for her, eventually finding happiness with Carlo, a sculptor who has remained faithful to her.