It premiered at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens (Salle Choiseul) on 27 March 1860 under the direction of the composer. In the 1866 revival, Léonce was Pan, with Ugalde as Daphnis; Collas returned as Chloé.
Bacchantes, observed by the statue of Pan, discuss Daphnis, with whom they are all in love. When they have left Pan reveals that he is in pursuit of the shy but proud Chloé, who next enters with a lamb. As she waits for her rendez-vous with Daphnis she insults the listening Pan. Daphnis confesses to Chloé that when he is alone he only thinks of her – she is the same. They decide that what they need is pipes so that when they meet the other shepherds and shepherdesses they can join in the dances; Pan throws a flute in the lap of Daphnis, but it won't play for him. Pan mocks the innocent lovers. When Chloé rushes off to her flock Pan pursues her while Daphnis tries to dream of her.
The bacchantes return and prevent Daphnis from leaving; they convince him that the way to cure his lovesickness is to take a mistress. They try to tempt him, but he is not swayed, so they give him water from the river Léthée to make him forget her. Pan bursts in, and they escape dragging Daphnis with them. Pan takes the gourd with the water-of-forgetfulness in it just as Chloé returns; he flatters her and tries to teach her what to do with a lover. After a few kisses, Pan takes a swig of the water and forgets what comes after that. Daphnis returns having learnt a few lessons from the bacchantes, but puts off the final lesson until tomorrow. They thank the bacchantes in dance, and ask the audience to be indulgent and gentle, like lambs, on their show.
