Three Major Plays

by Lope de Vega

  264 Restores it: the Duke's honour is restored only in part by the spilling of Casandra's blood. It will be restored in full only with the death of Federico. Even so, it is possible that, since others know of their affair, it will still become public knowledge and that the Duke's attempt to conceal his dishonour will be in vain.

  266 a timely lesson for all Spain: the lesson to be learned by the Spanish audiences at Lope's play was as much to do with the lustful, sinful nature of the Duke's life as with the behaviour of Casandra and Federico. They are punished with death, but the Duke's life will be darkened by the knowledge that he is responsible in more ways than one for the death of his only son.

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