Narcissus, a Twelfe Night Merriment

"Narcissus, a Twelfe Night Merriment" by Margaret L. Lee is a comedy play written in the early 20th century, specifically edited from a manuscript dating back to 1602. The work is a diverse mixture of poetic verses and prose, featuring characters based on classical mythology, particularly the story of Narcissus as described by Ovid. The central character, Narcissus, encounters various other figures such as Cephisus, Liriope, and other nymphs, set against the backdrop of a festive Twelfth Night celebration. The opening portion introduces the festive atmosphere at S. John's College in Oxford, indicating the setting during a Christmas celebration and the anticipation of a comedic performance. The scene begins with the Porter, who prepares the audience for the entry of players, while the Prologue humorously requests indulgence from the audience on behalf of the performers. As the comedic narrative unfolds, we meet Narcissus and his parents, Cephisus and Liriope, who seek a prophecy from Tyresias, a recurring theme of intrigue and dramatic foreshadowing. The tone blends classical references with playful exchanges among characters, establishing a lively mood that is characteristic of academic festive entertainment during this period.

Narcissus, a Twelfe Night Merriment, from the public domain. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #41726.