The Maids Tragedy

by Francis Beaumont

"The Maids Tragedy" by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher is a play written around 1608–1611. When soldier Melantius returns victorious from war, he discovers his friend Amintor has been forced to abandon his betrothed and marry Melantius's sister Evadne instead. On their wedding night, Evadne reveals a devastating secret about the King that shatters Amintor and sets in motion a tragic chain of revenge, betrayal, and bloodshed that will engulf the court of Rhodes.