Sappho and Phao

Abstract

The prose comedy Sappho and Phao, normally considered to be John Lyly's second play, was performed at the the English Court on 3rd March, 1584; the character Sappho, which bears little relation to that of her namesake, the Greek peotess, is clearly desinged as a compliment to Queen Elizabeth. It is one of the plays specially written for performance by the professional company of boy actors at the Blackfriar's Theatre.