Greek Maid, A

Anon (1579)

Historical Records

The title points to the story of the rape and revenge of Timoclea or Timoclia of Thebes. The story can be found in Painter's Palace of Pleasure, Vol. 2. (1567). William Painter's translations first appeared in the 1560's and were reprinted in 1575 and in 1580 (?).

Theatrical Provenance

Leicester's. Perhaps at the Theatre, given the company's association with James Burbage and given what looks to be the melodramatic theme of this play.

Probable Genre(s)

Melodrama.

Possible Narrative and Dramatic Sources or Analogues

The third novel of the second volume of Painter's Palace of Pleasure. The 1567 version would seem to be the source.

References to the Play

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Critical Commentary

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For What It's Worth

Painter claims that he drew the story from Plutarch's De claris mulieribus. He seems to be confusing Plutarch with Boccaccio, who wrote on the lives of famous women. However, the story of the rape of Timoclea is included in Plutarch's life of Alexander the Great.

Works Cited

Painter, William. The Second Tome of the Palace of Pleasure. (London: Nicholas England, 1567). See also STC (2nd ed.), 19124.

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