The famous poet Seanahan lies on the stairs of the royal palace in Gort. The king excluded him from the council, thereby trampling on the ancient rights of poets. Shonahan decides to respond to the insult according to ancient tradition, by starving himself to death at the door of the offender, which is considered a dishonor for the house, even for the royal one. Many come to him: students, the mayor of his hometown, a messenger from his parents, his beloved, no one can persuade him to abandon his intentions. The king himself would be glad to save the poet, so popular among the people, but once he has made a decision, he cannot return Seanahan to the council, otherwise he will undermine his power. This is how we become witnesses to the death of a man who is ready to do anything for his beliefs.