Philaster or Love Lies a-Bleeding

The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature | 2003 | 700+ words | Copyright

Philaster or Love Lies a-Bleeding, a romantic tragi-comedy by Beaumont and Fletcher, printed 1620.

The King of Calabria has usurped the crown of Sicily. The rightful heir, Philaster, loves and is loved by Arethusa, daughter of the usurper, but the latter intends to marry her to Pharamond, prince of Spain. To maintain contact with her, Philaster places his page, Bellario, in her service. Arethusa reveals to the king that Pharamond has embarked on an affair with Megra, a lady of the court; Megra in turn accuses Arethusa of misconduct with the handsome young Bellario. After various pastoral pursuits and disasters, it is revealed that Bellario is in fact Euphrasia, daughter of a Sicilian lord, in love with Philaster. Reassured thus of Arethusa's virtue, Philaster regains both his loved one and his kingdom, whereas Bellario is left with their gratitude, to devote herself to a life of chastity.

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MARGARET DRABBLE and JENNY STRINGER. "Philaster or Love Lies a-Bleeding." The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MARGARET DRABBLE and JENNY STRINGER. "Philaster or Love Lies a-Bleeding." The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O54-PhilasterorLoveLiesaBldng.html

MARGARET DRABBLE and JENNY STRINGER. "Philaster or Love Lies a-Bleeding." The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature. 2003. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O54-PhilasterorLoveLiesaBldng.html

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