"
Whether our author is original upon our second and third points-
in the true incidents of his story, or in the manner and tone of their
handling- will be more distinctly seen as we proceed.
It is to be regretted that "The Spanish Student" was not subentitled
"A Dramatic Poem," rather than "A Play." The former title would have
more fully conveyed the intention of the poet; for, of course, we
shall not do Mr. Longfellow the injustice to suppose that his design
has been, in any respect, a play, in the ordinary acceptation of the
term. Whatever may be its merits in a merely poetical view, "The
Spanish Student" could not be endured upon the stage.
Its plot runs thus:- Preciosa, the daughter of a Spanish
gentleman, is stolen, while an infant, by Gipsies, brought up as his
own daughter, and as a dancing-girl, by a Gipsy leader, Cruzado; and
by him betrothed to a young Gipsy, Bartolome. At Madrid, Preciosa
loves and is beloved by Victorian, a student of Alcala, who resolves
to marry her, notwithstanding her caste, rumours involving her purity,
the dissuasions of his friends, and his betrothal to an heiress of
Madrid. Preciosa is also sought by the Count of Lara, a roue. She
rejects him. He forces his way into her chamber, and is there seen
by Victorian, who, misinterpreting some words overheard, doubts the
fidelity of his mistress, and leaves her in anger, after challenging
the Count of Lara.
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