ABSTRACT
The family of Calderon had migrated many years before, and were settled at Toledo. Calderon wrote the "Certamen de Amor" (the Combat of Love), and "Zelos" (Jealousy), which were acted at the palace of Buen-Retiro. Calderon now wrote a play at each celebration of the king's birth-day, not only for Madrid, but for Toledo, Seville, and Granada. In the best, the stamp of Calderon's original genius cannot be doubted. Schlegel is an enthusiastic admirer of Calderon; and his observations on his works are replete with truth. The influence of Calderon is greatest to the reader; he is master of a spell to which our souls own obedience. Nature the birds, the leaves, and wandering clouds, breathe of love, and endeavour to soften and corrupt her heart. The "Principe Costante" (the Constant Prince) seems to be the most popular of Calderon's plays with his critics.
