Melita by Pierre Corneille. Short summary

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A comedy about how jealous Erastus decided to take revenge on his ex-fiancée and friend. The young man tried to separate the lovers, but later repented and found a new love.

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A comedy in five acts. Erast, a young man, is in love with the beautiful Melita. One day Erastus introduces Melita to his comrade Tirtzis, who falls in love with his friend’s bride. The girl reciprocates her new acquaintance. Jealous, Erastus resolves to take revenge. Enlisting the support of Tirtzis’ sister, Cloris, he forges several love letters that Melita supposedly wrote to a certain Flander. Tirzis sees these letters and believes that Melite is in love with Flander.

Tirzis flees in despair, and Melita is informed of his death. The girl faints when she hears of her beloved’s death. Erastus, however, is informed of the deaths of Melita and Tirzis. Erastus, seized by remorse, falls into madness. Later he recovers and discovers that Tirzis and Melita intend to marry. Erastus confesses his dishonourable actions and begs the lovers’ forgiveness. In the play’s finale, Erastus marries Cloris, Tirtzis’ sister.