At some time between 1625 and 1629 Pierre Corneille wrote the comedy Mélite, which was taken up by a traveling theatrical troupe and subsequently presented in Paris, where it was an immense success.

It is said Corneille based his play on an actual event he witnessed. The plot turns on the misunderstandings of lovers misled by false letters.

Éraste is in love with Mélite. When Éraste introduces Mélite to his friend Tircis, Mélite falls in love with Tircis. As a result, Éraste forges some love letters and sends them to Philandre as if they had come from Mélite.

The plan succeeds initially, as Tircis sees Philandre bearing these false letters and believes that Mélite is in love with Philandre. Tircis runs away in despair, and Mélite faints when she hears of this.

Éraste goes mad and suffers from a delusion that he is in hell. Éraste searches for Mélite until he recovers from his madness. Éraste subsequently recovers and finds that Tircis and Mélite are set on marrying one another. Éraste confesses his acts and seeks pardon, and ultimately marries Cloris, Tircis’ sister..... ( )