Edmond Rostand, the genius behind Cyrano de Bergerac, gives us another play in verse that’s all about the power—and danger—of imagination. La Princesse Lointaine is a medieval tale spun from the thinnest threads of hope.

The Story

The story follows Joffrey Rudel, a famous poet and prince who is dying. His sickness isn't just physical; he's lovesick for Princess Melissinde of Tripoli, a woman he knows only through stories and his own poetry. He convinces his loyal friend and knight, Bertrand, to take him on a perilous sea voyage so he can see her just once before he dies. On the ship, Bertrand's wife, Clémence, is secretly in love with Joffrey. She watches, heartbroken, as he wastes away for a fantasy. When they finally arrive, the 'faraway princess' is not quite the untouchable angel of Joffrey's songs. She's a real woman, trapped in a political marriage, moved by the sacrifice of this stranger who crossed the world for a idea of her. The climax isn't a battle, but a quiet, devastating meeting where dream and reality finally touch.

Why You Should Read It

This play stuck with me because it’s so painfully human. We’ve all built up ideas of people—a crush, an idol, a distant parent—only to find the real person is different. Rostand doesn't judge Joffrey for his obsession; he shows the breathtaking beauty and the utter loneliness of it. Joffrey’s love is pure, but it blinds him to the real love right beside him in Clémence and Bertrand. The poetry (even in translation) is musical and full of yearning. It makes you feel the salt air of the voyage and the ache of wanting something just out of reach.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect, shorter read for romantics, daydreamers, and anyone who’s ever wondered about the difference between loving a person and loving the idea of them. If you enjoyed the witty heartache of Cyrano, you’ll find a quieter, more melancholy cousin here. It’s also great for readers who think classic plays are stuffy—Rostand’s characters feel incredibly modern in their doubts and desires. Just be prepared for an ending that’s more bittersweet than fairytale.