Castalio

Definition and stakes

Portrait of Ludwig Tieck Ludwig Tieck,  The Old Man of the Mountain, The Lovecharm and Pietro of Abano

“ Castalio became more thoughtful than before. "Unless that strange creature Beresynth," he answered, "the imp that used to be at the magician's side, has been disguising himself as a woman, to escape from his pursuers, I feel assured that I shall find the hag out. Only have patience till tomorrow, and I will then give you your answer. Meanwhile you may be satisfied that the occurrences of that night were no phantoms of your mind, but realities; thus far you may set yourself and your elderly friend at rest." ”
Source: Gutenberg

Ludwig Tieck, translated by James Frederick Ferrier,  Blackwood's Magazine (1839)

“ When about an hour had passed over in this way, Castalio rose, and beckoned Antonio to a window. "I have called you aside," said he, " because I do not know how far your friend is in your confidence." He then, after attentively examining his countenance and the lines upon his hands, related to him, step by step, the history of his parents' misery—his mother's violent death—the guilty passion, and the murder of his father. He then passed on to the events of Antonio's own life—how, while pursuing his father's murderer, he had been detained in Padua by an attachment to the lovely Crescentia. ”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Thomas Otway Thomas Otway,  Thomas Otway

“ All the mischief and misery arise from a want of moral courage shown by Castalio, the passionate, but weak and irresolute hero, in concealing—partly from a kind of dastardly, rakish, bravado, and partly from fear of his father's disapproval, as well as a certain misplaced deference to fraternal affection—his own ardent and honourable affection for the orphan girl to whom he is secretly married. ”
Source: Gutenberg

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