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Generally acknowledged to be the most powerful of Beaumont and Fletchers plays and frequently performed by the best actors of the seventeenth and early eighteenth century, The Maids Tragedy (1610-11) disappeared from the stage (except in a much-altered and very successful Victorian adaptation) until recent years, when major companies have rediscovered its appeal. In this fully annotated edition, the editor has given careful attention to the sense of the lines, the stage action and the verse. Many new emendations of textual errors, as well as improvements in stage directions and lineation, are either introduced or proposed. The introduction explores Beaumont and Fletchers use of the three known sources (two of them previously neglected) for incidents in the play, gives the fullest available account of its stage history, and provides a sympathetic interpretation of the play as a romantic tragedy.

Journey into the depths of human passion and betrayal with Francis Beaumont's "The Maid's Tragedy (The Revels Plays)." Set in the ancient Greek city of Rhodes, this tragic tale delves into the tumultuous love triangle between Amintor, Evadne, and Melantius, weaving a story of vengeance, honor, and the devastating consequences of unrequited love.

Amintor, a noble and virtuous man, is deeply in love with Evadne, a beautiful and virtuous woman. However, their impending nuptials are disrupted when the king, blinded by lust, commands Amintor to abandon Evadne and marry his mistress, Aspatia. Desperate and heartbroken, Amintor reluctantly complies, leaving Evadne devastated and seeking revenge.

In a twist of fate, Evadne finds solace and companionship in Melantius, Amintor's loyal best friend. As their bond grows stronger, Evadne hatches a plan to exact vengeance on the king and reclaim her love for Amintor. With Melantius by her side, she embarks on a treacherous path of deceit and manipulation.

As the plot thickens, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and the boundaries of morality are pushed to their limits. "The Maid's Tragedy" explores the dark corners of the human psyche, delving into themes of love, betrayal, honor, and the lengths people will go to avenge their wounded hearts.

Francis Beaumont's masterful storytelling and poetic prowess bring this timeless tragedy to life. With its vivid imagery, rich characters, and exploration of universal emotions, "The Maid's Tragedy" is a captivating read that will leave you pondering the complexities of human relationships and the devastating impact of unbridled passion.