[Gutenberg 7444] • Psyche

*Psyche* is a tragedy-ballet in five acts and in verse, written by Molière, Pierre Corneille and Philippe Quinault.

The subject is taken from Apuleius’s *Metamorphoses*. The story of Psyche and Cupid is told by an old woman to a young girl who has been kidnapped by brigands. Apuleius's version was far too bold and too charged sexually for the 17th century stage, and the story had been adapted to the morals of the time on several occasions.

Molière did not versify the entire play. The plot is his; he versified the prologue, the first act and the first scene of acts two and three. Pierre Corneille versified the rest of the play. Philippe Quinault wrote all of the poetry that was set to music.

The book has no illustrations or index. Subjects: Drama / General; Drama / Continental European;