Some Account of the English Stage/Volume 2/British Enchanters, or No Magick like Love

Some Account of the English Stage, Volume 2
by John Genest
British Enchanters, or No Magick like Love
2892971Some Account of the English Stage, Volume 2 — British Enchanters, or No Magick like LoveJohn Genest

Feb. 21. Never acted, British Enchanters, or No Magick like Love. Amadis (a Knight, in love with Oriana)=Verbruggen: Constantius (Emperor of Rome, in love with Oriana)=Booth: Arcalaus (an Enchanter)=Bowman: Cœlius (King of Britain)=Betterton: Florestan=Husbands: Arcabon (an Enchantress)=Mrs. Barry: Oriana (in love with Amadis)=Mrs. Bracegirdle: Urganda=Mrs. Bowman: Corisanda=Mrs. Porter:—Cœlius insists that his daughter, Oriana, should marry Constantius—the marriage ceremony is interrupted by ill omens—these are occasioned by Urganda, who is a good Enchantress, and the friend of Amadis—Arcalaus and Arcabon are the brother and sister of Ardan, whom Amadis had killed—they get Amadis and Oriana into their power—Arcabon advances to stab Amadis—she falls in love with him, and sets him at liberty—he rejects her love—Arcalaus attempts to ravish Oriana—Amadis is discovered—again in chains—Arcalaus prepares to kill Amadis—Arcabon seizes Oriana, and holds a dagger to her breast—Arcalaus desists—Urganda frees Amadis and presents him with a sword—a battle ensues between the good and evil Spirits—the latter are defeated, and Arcalaus is killed by Amadis—Constantius kills himself—Amadis and Florestan are united to Oriana and Corisanda—this is a pleasing piece by Granville—it is called a Tragedy, but it is rather an Opera in the old sense of that word—it was acted 12 times—Arcabon is the best character—see Hay. March 22, 1707.