The Vampyre; a Tale

The Vampyre; a Tale by John William Polidori

Two newcomers start attending London's high society parties. The first is Lord Ruthven. He is terribly pale but beautiful, and people find him interesting for his intense gaze and strange appearance. The other man is Aubrey, a handsome and cheerful man. He always manages to find the best in everyone he meets. Despite their differences, they decide to go on the journey together to explore Europe.

When they travel through Rome, Lord Ruthven gambles and gives his money to the poor with vices, rather than to the needy. He is also trying to seduce an innocent young woman, although Aubrey tries to stop him. Aubrey leaves Ruthven and travels to Greece where he meets Ianthe, a beautiful Greek girl. He loves her and she tells him the legend of a vampire.

One day, while Aubrey is riding his horse, he hears a scream and finds Ianthe's corpse. Her throat was ripped open, and all who see her corpse believe that it was the work of a vampire. Aubrey begins to have nightmares and pleads for mercy from the vampires and Ruthven.

Aubrey meets Ruthven on his travels, as he does not link Ianthe's death to his arrival. When attacked by bandits, Ruthven receives a fatal wound and, on her deathbed, demands that Aubrey take an oath with her: she will not mention her death for a year and a day.

When Aubrey returns to London, he meets Ruthven, surprisingly cured, who begins to seduce Aubrey's sister. They agree to marry, much to Aubrey's dismay, so much so that he falls ill and dies. Aubrey's sister also dies the night of the wedding.