Queen Catherine; or, the Ruines of Love, is a historical tragedy written by Mary Pix, first performed in 1698.
A historical adaptation of the Wars of the Roses, it fictionalises Edward IV’s supposed plot for revenge against Catherine of Valois (the widow of the late Henry V) and her second husband Owen Tudor.
He then tells his brother, the Duke of Gloucester, that Catherine long ago rejected his affections because she was in love with Owen Tudor.
Edward remains bitter and wants vengeance, so Gloucester offers to kill Tudor in front of Catherine.
After Catherine leaves, Lord Thyrrold enters and begs Isabella to return his love, but she refuses.
Clarence tells Isabella to give Malavill the outer key to the castle, so that he can meet her at midnight.
Gloucester plans to make Clarence jealous of a fictitious relationship between Isabella and Thyrrold, who agrees to pose as her supposed husband.
Gloucester reports to Edward that his plan for vengeance against Tudor is now in motion, and they set forth for Ludlow Castle.
Suddenly, Malavill is stabbed by some men, and as he dies he begins to tell Clarence the truth about Isabella's faithfulness.
The play closes with Edward ordering his men to march on London, where he will continue the war for the English throne.