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Ariadne in Mantua

Vernon Lee

First published 1906
Type Short Fiction

Romantic tragedy. The Duke of Mantua was held captive by the Moors for 5 years, until being rescued by the courtesan Magdalen. After returning home, he fell into a deep depression in which he forgets the woman who saved him, and whom he loves. To encourage his marriage to the Princess Hippolyta, his uncle summons the "young boy" Diego to sing to Hippolyta wooing her for the Duke, which only succeeds in having Hippolyta attracting the Princess's affections for "him". Diego, of course, is Magdalen in disguise. And when Diego sings for the Duke and Hippolyta on their wedding day, realizing that she will never regain her past with the Duke, Diego/Magdalen throws herself into the lake and drowns. At that point, the Duke regains his memory, albeit too late.

Date Publication Publisher Type Page
1906 Pope Jacynth: To Which Are Added Ariadne in Mantua and Other Romantic Inventions Tauchnitz Collection 203