Let's talk about two plays that prove some stories are just timeless. Lope de Vega wrote hundreds of them, and these two show exactly why he was a rockstar of the Spanish Golden Age.

The Story

In El mejor alcalde, el rey, we meet Sancho, a farmer who just wants to marry his beloved Elvira. Their local lord, Don Tello, sees her and decides he wants her for himself. He throws Sancho off his land and kidnaps Elvira. With no one else to turn to, Sancho walks all the way to the king's court to plead his case. King Alfonso hears him and is furious at this abuse of power. The king devises a clever plan: he travels to the village in disguise to serve as the ultimate judge. The tension builds as we wait to see if justice will arrive before Don Tello's threats are carried out.

El remedio en la desdicha is a whirlwind of love and war. Daraja, a Christian noblewoman, is in love with the Moorish prince, Albenzaide. During a battle, she's kidnapped by another Moorish lord, Albohacen, who wants to force her to marry him. Trapped and desperate, Daraja sends a secret message to Albenzaide. Instead of charging in with an army, he comes up with a brilliant, risky plan. He disguises himself and infiltrates Albohacen's court, using his intelligence and courage to try and free the woman he loves against all odds.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me wasn't the fancy language or the history lesson—it was the raw, human situations. These aren't statues talking about philosophy; they're people in real trouble. Sancho's journey to the king is an epic act of faith in a system that's failed him. You're right there with him, step after exhausting step. And the king's response? It's a powerful moment about leadership and responsibility that still hits hard today.

The love story in the second play flips the script. It's not about brute force; it's about cleverness under pressure. Albenzaide has to think his way out of the problem, and Daraja is no passive prisoner. She's actively scheming to save herself. Their story makes you think about what 'heroism' really means.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who thinks classic plays are boring. If you like historical dramas with clear villains, high stakes, and satisfying conclusions, you'll find a lot to love here. It's also a great, accessible entry point into Spanish literature—you get two complete, gripping stories in one volume. For readers who enjoy tales about underdogs fighting corruption, or smart love stories that break the mold, Lope de Vega's work is a 400-year-old surprise that still feels fresh and urgent.