In the reign of Philip II shortly after the civil war against the Moors,
and during the heat of the Persecution which raged against them. Maria
an orphan of fortune had been espoused to Albert the eldest son of Lord
Velez, but he having been supposed dead, is now addressed by Osorio the
brother of Albert.
In the character of Osorio I wished to represent a man, who, from his
childhood had mistaken constitutional abstinence from vices, for strength
of character—thro' his pride duped into guilt, and then endeavouring to
shield himself from the reproaches of his own mind by misanthropy.
Don Garcia (supposed dead) and Valdez father of Don Ordoño, and
Guardian of Teresa di Monviedro. Don Garcia eldest son of the Marquis
di Valdez, supposed dead, having been six years absent, and for the last
three without any tidings of him.
Teresa Senñora [sic] di Monviedro, an orphan lady, bequeathed by both
Parents on their death-bed to the wardship of the Marquis, and betrothed
to Don Garcia—Gulinaez a Moorish Chieftain and ostensibly a new
Christian—Alhadra his wife.
