| | Apu Ollantay Clements Markham, translator [1910] |
This is one of the only (if not the only) Native American dramatic compositions known. It compares favorably with European dramas; it also gives a rare look at the inner workings of the Inca culture. This is the tale of Ollantay, a noble commoner who defies the Inca because of his love for the princess Cusi Coyllor, and thereby puts the empire into a state of rebellion. Ollantay combines tragedy and comedy, and has a vivid cast of male and female characters. This translation by Clements Markham follows the original closely and is very readable.