La cena del rey Baltasar (1634 Calderón de la Barca), play

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La cena del rey Baltasar <Spanish> / Belshazzar's Feast (1634) is a play by Pedro Calderón de la Barca.

Abstract

The play offers an allegorical and moralizing retelling of the Danielic story. King Belshazzar has wedded Vanity and Idolatry. Daniel is sent by God to warn Belshazzar to repent, giving him three warnings; on each occasion Belshazzar almost repents but cannot give up his brides. At a feast given by Belshazzar, Daniel comes as a guest, accompanied by Death disguised as his attendant. Death gives Belshazzar a poisoned drink to kill his soul, then draws his knife to slay his body. They fight, and Belshazzar is dragged away by Death. He calls to Vanity and Idolatry to help him, but they are powerless.

Editions, performances, translations

External links