Most of the characters, and particularly those of Arthur and Mordred, are drawn with distinctness and vigour: the fiery and reckless ambition of the son is excellently contrasted with the cool determination and natural affection of the father. As an illustration of the former we may refer to many passages, but especially to several in the third scene of the second act; while the character and disposition of the latter are depicted in a masterly manner both before and after the final battle. This catastrophe, as far as relates to the death of Mordred, is mentioned by Dante in canto xxxii. of his “Inferno”-- “Non quelli a cui fu rotto il petto e l’ombra. Con esso un colpo per la man d’Artu.” The substance of the story is to be found in the “Morte Arthur.” The action is one, but the unities of time and place are disregarded; and although the tragedy in many respects is conducted upon the plan of the ancients, there are in it evident approaches to the irregularity of our romantic drama. It forms a sort of connecting link between such pieces of unimpassioned formality as “Ferrex and Porrex,” and rule-rejecting historical plays, as Shakespeare found them and left them. THE NAMES OF THE SPEAKERS. GORLOIS, _Duke of Cornwall’s Ghost_. GUENEVERA, _the Queen_. FRONIA, _a Lady of her train_. ANGHARAD, _Sister to the Queen_. MORDRED, _the Usurper_. CONAN, _a faithful Councillor_. _Nuntius of Arthur’s landing_. _The Herald from Arthur_. GAWIN, _King of Albany_. GILLA, _a British Earl_. GILLAMOR, _King of Ireland_. CHELDRICH, _Duke of Saxony_. _The Lord of the Picts._ ARTHUR, _King of Great Britain_. CADOR, _Duke of Cornwall_. HOEL, _King of Little Britain_. _The Herald from Mordred_. ASCHILLUS, _King of Denmark_. _The King of Norway_. _A number of Soldiers_. _Nuntius of the last battle_. GILDAS, _a nobleman of Britain_. CHORUS. THE INTRODUCTION. An introduction, penned by Nicholas Trotte, Gentleman, one of the Society of Gray’s Inn, which was pronounced in manner following:--viz., Three Muses came on the stage apparelled accordingly, bringing five Gentlemen Students with them, attired in their usual garments, whom one of the Muses presented to Her Majesty as captives. The cause whereof she delivered by speech as followeth:--