The Mask Replays the Mask

Milton may not have known these details of the Bridgewater family when he first composed the mask, though he will probably have noticed the uncanny connections at the time of the performance. In particular, he had to avoid having the references to rape and chastity seem ironic. An extraordinary sexual scandal had recently afflicted the family of the Countess's eldest daughter Anne. The Dowager Countess was now supporting Anne and her daughter. Milton made tactful reference to her role in Arcades, but in Comus, given the subject,. he had to be careful not to insult his hosts and especially not the young Virgin playing the Lady.