A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 15

This volume gathers a handful of lesser‑known Restoration dramas, offering listeners a glimpse into the lively theatrical world of mid‑17th‑century England. The plays are presented in their original language, accompanied by scholarly notes that illuminate archaic phrasing and historical references. Among them, “Elvira” stands out as a comedy of intrigue, where mistaken intentions and tangled affections drive the action. Its characters—noble Spaniards, witty servants, and two spirited ladies—navigate a maze of secret messages and whispered promises.

The opening scene drops us into a bustling inn in Valencia, where Don Fernando arrives with urgent business and a cryptic note for his lover, Donna Elvira. As his servant Fabio scurries about delivering messages, Elvira awakens to a blend of melancholy and hope, hinting at personal turmoil that soon entangles the surrounding conspiracies. The dialogue crackles with the period’s poetic flair, setting the stage for a plot that rewards careful listening and a taste for clever, fast‑moving repartee.