When Melibee and his wife are away, three burglars break into their home and grievously injure their daughter, Sophia. Melibee decides to avenge himself, but his wife, Dame Prudence, talks him into getting advice and then convinces him that, of all the advice he has gotten, her own advice is the best.
The three burglars are found and brought before Dame Prudence, who suggests a peaceful settlement. Her husband, Melibee, decides to let them off with a fine, but Dame Prudence vetoes this. Melibee then forgives the burglars, rebukes them, and extols his own magnanimity. We never know what happens to Sophia.
