 Stedman calls this a "Gilbertian invasion plot".Another of Gilbert's recurring themes that is present in this play, as well as in "Broken Hearts", "The Yeomen of the Guard", and other Gilbert works, is his distrust of heroic men.Fairies

Mortals

Prologue

In a rhymed declaration, a character explains that the author aims to show that "Love is not a blessing, but a curse!"