Chapter 1
Notices of the press
PREFACE.
The following Drama was written with a view to Stage representation, and it is therefore rather as an Acting Play than as a Dramatic Poem that it should be judged by its readers.
It follows as closely as possible the striking story recorded by Constantine Porphyrogenitus in his work, "De Administratione Imperii." Nor has the writer had occasion (except in the death of the heroine) to modify the powerful historical situations and incidents to which it is right to say his attention was first directed by his friend the well-known scholar and critic, Mr. W. Watkiss Lloyd.
The date of the story is circa 970 A.D.
DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
_PEOPLE OF BOSPHORUS._
_The_ KING OF BOSPHORUS.
ASANDER, _Prince of Bosphorus._
LYSIMACHUS, _a statesman._
MEGACLES, _a chamberlain from the Imperial Court of Constantinople._
_Three Courtiers, accompanying Asander and accomplices in the plot._
_Soldiers, etc._
_PEOPLE OF CHERSON._
LAMACHUS, _Archon of the Republic of Cherson._
ZETHO, _his successor._
THEODORUS, _a young noble (brother to Irene), in love with Gycia._
BARDANES, _first Senator._
_Ambassador to Bosphorus._
_The Senators of Cherson._
_Two Labourers._
GYCIA, _daughter of Lamachus._
IRENE, _a lady--her friend, in love with Asander._
MELISSA, _an elderly lady in waiting on Gycia_.
_Child, daughter of the Gaoler._
_Citizens, etc._
GYCIA.