Satiro-mastix-see Ben Jonson's Poetaster. Return from Parnassus, or the Scourge of Simony -this play was publickly acted by the Students of St. John's College Cambridge in 1606-the design of it was to expose the vices and follies of the rich in those days, and to show what little attention was paid by that class of men to the learned and ingenious-the scenes in which Simony is Scourged have great merit, but as the play is totally void of plot and incident, some parts of it are dull-Sir Raderick agrees to present Immerito to a living, upon condition of receiving £100, and under a promise that Immerito will take 12 pence a year for the tithes due to him from Sir Raderick-after this a ridiculous examination of Immerito takes place several Students leave the University in hopes of advancing their fortunes in the metropolis, two of them, who have been unsuccessful, propose going on the stage. Act 4th Scene 3rd-Enter Burbage and Kempe. Burb. Now, Will Kempe, if we can entertain these scholars at a low rate, it will be well; they have oftentimes a good conceit in a part. Kem. It's true, indeed, honest Dick, but the slaves are somewhat proud. Burb. A little teaching will mend these faults, and it may be besides, they will be able to pen a part. Kem. Few of the University pen plays well; they smell too much of that writer Ovid, and that writer Metamorphosis; why, here's our fellow Shakspeare puts them all down; ay, and Ben Jonson too-O, that Ben Jonson is a pestilent fellow, he brought up Horace giving the poets a pill; but our fellow Shakspeare has given him a purge, that made him bewray his credit. Burb. It's a shrewd fellow indeed-I wonder these scholars stay so long, they appointed to be here presently, that we might try them; O, here they come -Master Philomusus, and Master Studioso, Heaven save you. Kem. Master Philomusus, and Master Otioso, well met. Philo.. The same to you, good Master Burbagewhat Master Kempe Kem. Well, you merry knaves, you may come to the honour of it one day; is it not better to make a fool of the world as I have done, than to be fooled of the world as you scholars are? but be merry, my lads, you have happened upon the most excellent vocation in the world for money; they come north and south to bring it to our playhouse; and for honours, who of more report than Dick Burbage and Will Kempe? he is not counted a gentleman that knows not Dick Burbage and Will Kempe; there's not a country wench that can dance Sellenger's round, but can talk of Dick Burbage and Will Kempe. Philo. Indeed, Master Kempe you are very fa mous Burb. Master Studioso, I pray you take some part in this book and act it, that I may see what will fit you best; I think your voice would serve for Hieronimo, observe how I act it and then imitate me. Studi. "Who calls Hieronimo," &c. Burb. You will do well, after a while. Kem. Now for you; methinks you should belong to my tuition; and your face, methinks, would be good for a foolish mayor, or a foolish justice of peace; mark me (—Kempe then makes a long comic speechwhich Philomusus repeats after him.) Kem. Thou wilt do well in time, if thou wilt be ruled by thy betters, that is by myself, and such grave aldermen of the playhouse as I am. Burb. I like your face, and the proportion of your body for Richard the 3d, I pray, Master Philomusus, let me see you act a little of it. Philo. "Now is the winter," &c. (two lines.) Burb. Very well I assure you; well, master Philomusus, and Master Studioso, we see what ability you are of; I pray, walk with us to our fellows and we'll agree presently. Philo. We will follow you straight, Master Burbage. Kem. It's good manners to follow us, Master Philomusus, and Master Otioso. Exeunt Burbage and Kempe.) Philo. And must the basest trade yield us relief? Must we be practis'd to those leaden spouts, That nought down vent, but what they do receive? &c. &c. this is so singular a scene that it is particularly worthy of quotation-it is however an unfair attack on the two actors and the profession in generalHawkins and the Editor of the B. D. observe that Dr. Wild has borrowed the foundation of his C. called the Benefice from this play-it seems however much more probable, that he has borrowed it from the Rival Friends. Wily Beguiled-Gripe wishes his daughter Lelia to marry Peter Ploddall, because his father is richChurms, who gives the title to the play, is a lawyer -he makes Peter Ploddall believe that he will promote his interest with Lelia-he makes Gripe believe that he will promote his daughter's union with Peter Ploddall-his real object is to marry Lelia himself she detests Churms, and is in love with Sophos Sophos is a scholar, but not rich-Fortunatus, Lelia's brother, returns from abroad-he recommends Lelia to pretend to be in love with Churms— Churms readily swallows the bait--he carries off Lelia from her father's house-Fortunatus and Sophos meet Churms, and take Lelia from him—at the conclusion, Fortunatus prevails on his father to give Lelia to Sophos-this is a good C.-the author is unknown, but the piece is said to have been printed in 1606-the best character is Will Cricket, a merry country fellow-he is in a hurry to be married to Peg, and desires the Clerk that he may be asked at church on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and the next holiday-the Clerk tells him that he may be asked on Sunday morning, but that a company of players come to the town on Sunday afternoon, and the Parson is so good a fellow, he will scarce leave their company to say evening prayer. D. L. 1773-1774. Sept. 18. Beggar's Opera, and High Life. Venice Preserved deferred as Barry was ill. 30. Tancred and Sigismunda, by Reddish and Mrs. Barry. Kitely = Oct. 2. Every Man in his Humour. Garrick Young Knowell-J. Aikin: Wellbred = Jefferson Cash Brereton, 1st time. = 5. Grecian Daughter. Evander = Aikin. = 9. Not acted 16 years, Alfred. Alfred Reddish: Earl of Devon Jefferson: Hermit = J. Aikin : Corin Bannister: Danish King = Palmer: 1st Dane Brereton: 2d Dane J. Bannister: Eltruda = Miss Younge: Emma Mrs. Smith: Edith = Mrs. Wrighten :-acted about 8 times. 11. Catharine and Petruchio, by Miss Pope and King. 13. Trip to Scotland. Cupid = Master Blanchard, 1st appearance. 14. Garrick acted Abel Drugger. 19. Not acted 26 years, Albumazar. Albumazar (an astrologer) = Palmer: Trincalo (a country fellow-tenant to Pandolfo) = King: Pandolfo (father of Eugenio and Sulpitia) = Parsons: Cricca (his servant) = Baddeley: Lelio (in love with Sulpitia) = Davies: Eugenio (in love with Flavia) = Wheeler : Antonio (father of Lelio and Flavia) = Packer: Furbo, Ronca, and Harpax (confederates with Albumazar) = Bannister, Hurst, and Keen: Sulpitia (in love with Lelio)= Mrs. Abington: Armellina (servant to Antonio) Miss Pope: Flavia (in love with Eugenio)= Mrs. Jefferson: Bevilona (a courtezan) -Miss Platt:-acted 5 times-Pandolfo and Antonio had agreed that each of them should marry the other's daughter-Antonio had gone abroad-Lelio refuses = |