Mozart and Da Ponte use the theme of fiancée swapping which dates back to the 13th century notable earlier versions are found in Boccaccios Decameron and Shakespeares play Cymbeline Elements from Shakespeares The Taming of the Shrew are also present Furthermore it incorporates elements of the myth of Procris as found in Ovids Metamorphoses vii10 Place Naples Time the 18th century