This story combines two story lines. On the one hand, it is a fictionalized drama, loosely based on an historical event, being the rebellion of the colonist Nathaniel Bacon in Virginia in 1676 against the colonial government. Bacon is presented as the classic hero, a noble figure, motivated by "honour" and in love with the Indian princes Semernia. This storyline ends tragically for both of them. On the other hand, there is a not very flattering description of the colony and its residents, a diverse bunch of low-class men and fortune-hunting gentlemen newly arrived from England, revolving around the Widow Ranter (a former servant who became wealthy by marrying her master), who dresses and behaves like a man.