The film begins in 1780 and traces the life of the poet Julius Schönfeld, based on fragments from a diary. Episodically, the film tells of his life at a royal court in Germany. With one feast after another, the prince’s carefree lifestyle takes a drastic turn when his cook dies. On her deathbed she begs him to care for her two children. The prince gives her his word, mostly likely because she was his favourite cook. The promise, however, brings an abrupt change for Julius and his sister.