Chapter I: Front Matter

The English Dramatists

JOHN MARSTON

VOLUME THE SECOND

THE WORKS
OF
JOHN MARSTON

EDITED BY

A. H. BULLEN, B.A.

IN THREE VOLUMES

VOLUME THE SECOND

LONDON
JOHN C. NIMMO
14, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND, W.C.
MDCCCLXXXVII

_Two hundred copies of this Edition on Laid paper, medium 8vo, have
been printed,_ viz., _120 for the English Market and 80 for
America. Each copy numbered as issued._

_No. 30_

CONTENTS OF VOL. II.

PAGE

THE DUTCH COURTEZAN 1

THE FAWN 105

THE WONDER OF WOMEN; OR, THE TRAGEDY OF
SOPHONISBA 231

WHAT YOU WILL 317

THE DUTCH COURTEZAN.

_The Dutch Courtezan. As it was playd in the Blacke-Friars, by the
Children of her Maiesties Reuels. Written By Iohn Marston. At
London, Printed by T. P. for Iohn Hodgets, and are to be sould at
his shop in Paules Church-yard._ 1605. 4to.

STORY OF THE PLAY.

Young Freevill, being about to marry Beatrice, daughter to Sir Hubert Subboys, determines to break his connection with Franceschina, the Dutch Courtezan. He introduces to Franceschina his friend Malheureux. This gentleman, who had hitherto led a strict life, is violently inflamed with passion at first sight of Franceschina. She promises to gratify his passion on one condition,--that he kills Freevill. As proof that the deed has been accomplished, he is to bring her a ring that had been presented to Freevill by Beatrice. Malheureux discloses the plot to Freevill, who undertakes to help him out of his difficulty. At a masque given in honour of the approaching marriage, Malheureux pretends to pick a quarrel with Freevill, and retires with him as though to fight a duel. Freevill is to lie hid at the house of a jeweller, while Malheureux posts with the ring to Franceschina. She hastens to communicate the news to Freevill's father and Beatrice, Freevill accompanying her in the disguise of a pander. Thereupon old Freevill and Sir Hubert Subboys, attended by officers, proceed to Franceschina's lodging, conceal themselves behind the curtain, and await the arrival of Malheureux, who comes at the hour appointed by Franceschina. They hear from his own lips a confession of the murder, arrest him, and lead him away to prison. Malheureux protests his innocence, but, as Freevill has not been near the jeweller's house, his protestations are disregarded and the day for his execution is fixed. At the last moment Freevill presents himself and begs forgiveness for the device that he had adopted in order to cure his friend's passion. Franceschina is condemned to "the whip and jail;" and all ends happily.

The play is enlivened by an underplot, which deals with the various tricks played by a clever knave called Cocledemoy on a vintner of Cheap, Master Mulligrub.