Edmond Rostand, the genius behind Cyrano de Bergerac, wrote this poetic play a few years earlier. While it doesn't have Cyrano's booming voice, it has all his heart. Written entirely in verse, it feels like a medieval song brought to life on stage.

The Story

The famous troubadour Joffrey Rudel is wasting away, consumed by love for a woman he's never seen: Melissinde, the Princess of Tripoli. He's heard tales of her goodness and beauty, and this idea of her has become his entire world. Sick and desperate, he hires a ship to take him to her. His loyal friend, Bertrand, supports this wild quest. When Rudel arrives, he's too weak to leave the ship. Melissinde hears of the poet dying for love of her and is deeply moved. She sends her companion, the Lady Clémence, to the harbor in her place. Rudel, in his fever, believes Clémence is the princess. In his final moments, he pours out his soul to her, finding peace in his idealized love before he dies, never knowing the truth.

Why You Should Read It

This play hits hard because it's about a love we've all felt—not for a person, but for an idea. Rudel isn't in love with Melissinde; he's in love with the story of Melissinde. Rostand asks us: is that love any less real? The tragedy isn't just his death, but the beautiful deception that gives him peace. Clémence's quiet role is fascinating—she becomes the vessel for a dream, knowing she's an impostor yet giving a dying man his greatest wish. It's painfully romantic and deeply human.

Final Verdict

Perfect for romantics, poets, and anyone who's ever daydreamed about a person or a life just out of reach. If you enjoy plays where the language itself is a character, Rostand's verse is a masterclass. It's a short, potent read for a quiet afternoon that will leave you thinking about the distance between our dreams and reality long after you've finished.