The Betrothed (Italian: I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni was the first historical novel in Italy.It is considered to be the top of Italian prose of the Romantic era, and is studied in Italian schools.The scene is set in Lecco and Milan of the 17th century.Young Renzo and Lucia are looking forward to their wedding, just when a powerful gentleman interferes with the aim to prevent a ceremony. He threatens a parish priest with violence if he performs the marriage and forces a pair of sweethearts to run away. They appeared to be victims of circumstances and decided to separate temporarily. During that period each of them comes through events that may lead to the timeless parting.