Paul and Virginia

a story by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, a French author. It was published in 1787. It is a pretty, pathetic tale of almost idyllic character, but somewhat morbid in tone. Paul and Virginia are two children who grow up together. After reaching manhood and womanhood they are betrothed, but Virginia loses her life in a shipwreck and Paul dies of grief. Several operas have been written with this story as a basis.