PORTUGAL AND SPAIN IN THE DISCREET REVENGE, BY LOPE DE VEGA

This paper analyzes the relations between Spain and Portugal in the discreet revenge (comedy set in the thirteenth century). It is concluded that the comedy raises the political virtues of the Iberian Union and establishes a rapprochement with the Portuguese people, at a time of tension between the two nations. However, its later publication in print (in 1625), preceded by a dedication addressed to the circle of the Count-Duke of Olivares, meant that the comedy could be read as a support for the policy of Philip IV's favourite with respect to Portugal.