About This Book
This volume gathers dramatic and lyric pieces, led by a historical tragedy set in the opening years of an imperial reign and accompanied by a classical drama reworking a legendary island episode. The tragedy stages tense exchanges in palace and senate among a self-made ruler, his philosophical advisers, senators, courtiers, and family, examining the collision of ambition, moral counsel, and public spectacle. The companion drama portrays a disguised heroic youth among women, blending theatrical dialogue with lyric interludes to explore identity and disguise. Editorial notes and annotations supplement the poems, clarifying sources, theatrical intention, and linguistic choices.