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Count Basil is a five-act tragedy by Joanna Baillie

This is the first of her Series of Plays on the Passions of the Mind and was first published in Volume One of that series in 1798. The Passion that is the subject of this play is Love and illustrates the gradual inveiglement of the affections of the eponymous hero, which ends in his destruction. Count Basil is leading his troops to support the Emperor, Charles V, and has arrived in Mantua en route, where he sees and falls for Victoria, daughter of the Duke.

Act 1
Citizens are gathered to watch a procession carrying offerings to St Frances’ shrine. In the crowd is Geoffrey, a veteran soldier, who has lost an arm in battle. An officer is reproved for trying to move him on. He is expecting to see Victoria, the Duke’s daughter, whom Geoffrey compares with her mother, who once honoured him. Count Basil enters, also in procession, with his troops. Victoria then appears with her train, and the two observe one other. The next scene reveals Basil's followers, Count Rosinberg, Frederick and Voltemer, discussing Basil's tight rein on his troops; Frederick expresses his dissatisfaction because he himself feels overlooked for promotion. Their talk turns to Victoria just as Basil joins them. Basil expresses his admiration and Rosinberg, once the two are left together cautions him.

Act 2
The Duke greets Basil and Rosenberg, suggesting that battle will not be joined imminently. Victoria enters as Basil is declaring he will leave the following day but she invites Rosinberg and himself to view some paintings and being so close to her breaks his resolve. The duke and his minister, Guariecio, are pleased with this delay and plot to extend it further. Victoria’s friend and governess, Countess Albini reproaches her for enticing Basil to stay against his duty but Victoria makes light of it and amuses herself with a small child.

Act 5
To the east of Shimla lie the Choor Mountains (Chuor, 3647m ). A passage over these mountains, from the Tons River to Shimla is described in Views in India, chiefly among the Himalaya Mountains, by George Francis White with accompanying drawings, Village of Khandoo, on the Ascent to the Choor, and two that were subsequently the subject of poetical illustrations by Letitia Elizabeth Landon, namely Crossing the Choor Mountains, and Village of Koghera and Deodar Forest, near the Choor

The accompanying notes record that "During a considerable part of the year, the Choor is hoary with snow; and when moonlight falls upon the scene, an effect is produced as if floods of molten silver were poured over the surface. Moonlight in these regions assumes a novel charm."