«I dare do all that may become a man/ who dares do more is non»: on the translation of the play «Campaspe» by John Lyly

The present article deals with the Russian version of «Campaspe» («A moste exellent Comedie of Alexander, Campaspe, and Diogenes, Played before the Queenes Maiestie on twelfe day at night by her Maiesties children, and the children of Poules». Fist print.1584) by John Lyly (?1554-1606), well known as the author of the famous novel «Euphues» and 8 plays which he wrote at the Queen Elizabeth court. Alexander the Great falling in love with his beautiful Theban captive, Campaspe, gives her freedom, and, disregarding the dissuasion of his confidant Hephaestion, engages Apelles to paint her portrait. All characters of the play pass the exam by Power, Love and Knowledge. This theme is one of the main lines of the Renaissance.