The story of the opera is based on the legends of the Greek poetess Sappho, her love for Phaon and her suicide.
Place: Olympic Games and on the isle of LesbosTime: 6th century BCThe Olympic games
Phaon is torn in love between for the poetess Sapho and the courtesan Glycère, and is teased by Pythéas. Sapho wins the poetry competition from Alcée. Phaon declares his devotion to her.
Phaon's villa
Phaon is involved in a revolutionary plot, to establish freedom and justice. Pythéas agrees to supply details of the plot to Glycère in return for her favours. Glycère secretly informs the authorities, but deceitfully tells Sapho she will not inform if Phaon leaves Lesbos without Sapho. Phaon arranges to leave Lesbos, Sapho maintaining that she will not accompany him. Her inflexibility causes Phaon to turn to Glycère.
A windswept beach with the setting sun
Phaon, Glycère and the conspirators bid farewell to their country. Sapho has come to bid them farewell but Phaon curses her. Nonetheless she forgives and blesses Phaon, and then commits suicide by leaping into the ocean.