'An intense and horrible view of life' - T. S. Eliot. 'This drama must now be acknowledged, for dramtic power, for coherence of structure, for astonishing compression and consistency of language, and for superb unity of tone, surpassed in the whole Elizabethan repertory by only the few greatest plays' - Lawrence J. Ross. In the family of passions none is more patient than hate. This masterpiece of the Elizabethan stage, first published in 1607, is a study of debauchery, deep offense, and the high cost of revenge. It is often compared to "Hamlet" for its relentless tension and its lecherous royalty. Its protagonist, Vindice, is one of the most memorable characters in all of Renaissance theater, a murderer who will not let a single enemy remain alive.