Dido, Queen of Carthage (play) She brings Aeneas back, who denies he intended to leave. Dido forgives him, but as a precaution removes all the sails and tackle from his ships. She also places Ascanius in the custody of the Nurse, believing that Aeneas will not leave without him. However, "Ascanius" is really the disguised Cupid. Dido says that Aeneas will be king of Carthage and anyone who objects will be executed. Aeneas agrees and plans to build a new city to rival Troy and strike back at the Greeks. Mercury appears with the real Ascanius (a.k.a. Cupid) and informs Aeneas that his destiny is
Dido and Aeneas performed by students of the Royal College of Music at London's Lyceum Theatre to mark the bicentenary of Purcell's death. "Dido and Aeneas" received its first performance outside England on 14 December 1895 in a concert version at the University Society in Dublin. "Dido and Aeneas" premiered in the United States at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on 10 February 1923 performed by the girls of the Rosemary School, although "The New York Times" noted that "considerable liberties" had been taken with the score. A concert version with professional musicians organised by the Society of Friends of Music