When Barbe-bleue loses his fifth wife, the turbulent Boulotte is selected at random to be the next one. But Barbe-Bleue falls in love with Hermia â who loves the shepherd Saphir â and soon wearies of Boulotte. So, he asks his alchemist to concoct for him an âanti-wifeâ philtre. But, as on the previous occasions, it is merely a sleeping potion and Boulotte wakes up the other five âdeadâ wives. They reappear, dressed up as gypsies and bring the truth to light.