Alessandro Manzoni’s 1840 novel "The Betrothed" ("I Promessi Sposi") is set against the backdrop of a plague that struck the villages around Milan and then advanced into the city itself in 1630.

But if he have betrothed her to his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.

The princess was betrothed to a prince who lived a great way off.

When the princess grew up she was betrothed to a prince who lived at a great distance.