Chapter XIV: Prologue

A strange play you are like to have, for know, We use no drum, nor trumpet, nor dumb show; No combat, marriage, not so much to-day As song, dance, masque, to bombast out a play; Yet these all good, and still in frequent use With our best poets; nor is this excuse Made by our author, as if want of skill Caused this defect; it’s rather his self will. Will you the reason know? There have so many Been in that kind, that he desires not any At this time in his scene, no help, no strain, Or flash that’s borrowed from another’s brain; Nor speaks he this that he would have you fear it, He only tries if once bare lines will bear it: Yet may’t afford, so please you silent sit, Some mirth, some matter, and perhaps some wit.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

Two young Gentlemen:

Geraldine, Delavil,

Old Wincott.

Young Lionel, a riotous Citizen.

Old Geraldine, Father of Young Geraldine.

Old Lionel, a Merchant, Father of Young Lionel.

Reignald, a parasitical Serving-man.

Robin, an old country Serving-man.

Roger the Clown, Servant to Old Wincott.

Rioter, a Spendthrift.

Two Gallants, his Companions.

Master Ricott, a Merchant.

A Gentleman, Companion to Delavil.

A Usurer and his Man.

The Owner of the House, supposed to be possessed.

A Tavern Drawer.

Servants.

Wincott’s Wife, a young Gentlewoman.

Prudentilla, her Sister.

Blanda, a Whore.

Scapha, a Bawd.

Two Wenches, Companions to Blanda.

Bess, Chambermaid to Mistress Wincott.

SCENE--London and Barnet.

THE ENGLISH TRAVELLER.