Scene from ‘Tasso' by Percy Bysshe Shelley
As Maddalo and Pigna seek an audience with the Duke, Malpiglio questions Albano about Lady Leonora's response to his sonnet. Albano recounts her ambiguous reply and reports that the Duke and Princess are absorbed in conversation, with young Tasso present. Maddalo taunts Malpiglio that the smiles favoured someone else, and Malpiglio wishes they were scorching lightning for their recipient.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley · Genre: Drama, Dramatic Poetry · 376 words
First lines
MADDALO, A COURTIER. / MALPIGLIO, A POET. / PIGNA, A MINISTER. / ALBANO, AN USHER.
MADDALO: / No access to the Duke! You have not said / That the Count Maddalo would speak with him?
Genres
- Drama — Named characters exchange speeches about access to the Duke and a lady's response to a poet, without a narrative speaker.
- Dramatic Poetry — The dialogue unfolds in verse, ending with Malpiglio's wish that another person's favourable smiles become scorching lightning.
Tags
courtly rivalry · jealousy · sonnets · verse drama
What this Textopian page supports
Scene from ‘Tasso' is listed on Textopian as a play by Percy Bysshe Shelley, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Play
- Author: Percy Bysshe Shelley
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Dramatic Poetry
- Length: 376 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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