This masterful play by Victor Hugo tells the story of Ruy Blas, a poor but intelligent scribe who finds himself swept up in a web of political intrigue and forbidden love. Set in Spain during the 17th century, the play offers a searing critique of the corruption and decadence of the ruling aristocracy, while celebrating the courage and resourcefulness of ordinary people fighting against injustice. With vivid characters, richly poetic language, and a timeless message of hope in the face of adversity, Ruy Blas remains one of the greatest works of French literature. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.