 The Dukedom of Venice is offered to Antonio, who refuses and vows to live a religious life and remain celibate in honor of Mellida's memory.Usually dated 1600 or 1601, "Antonio’s Revenge" is one of a number of revenge tragedies written around the same time.Emma Smith has suggested that some of these plays may have been written partly in response to the popularity of "The Spanish Tragedy" and disputes over its performance rights.