The Island Princess, or The Generous Portugal

(1619/ 21)

John Fletcher

Tragicomedy about a princess who offers to marry the man who rescues her brother, the King, from an enemy governor, believing the rescuer can only be Ruy Dias. In fact, the rescuer is not Ruy but the Portuguese Armusia. Annoyed, the Princess consents to Ruy's plan to kill Armusia but abruptly falls in love with him. When the rivals meet, Ruy proposes a duel and loses. Meanwhile, the disguised Governor persuades the King that Armusia is exploiting the Princess. When Armusia is imprisoned, the Princess asks to share his tortures, but the repentant Ruy rescues them. The Governor is exposed, and the King permits Armusia and the Princess to marry.