The Famous History of Sir Thomas Wyat. With the Coronation of Queen Mary, and the coming in of King Philip. As it was plaied by the Queens Maiesties Seruants. Written by Thomas Dickers and John Webster. London. Printed by E. A. for Thomas Archer, and are to be solde at his shop in the Pope's-head Pallace: nere the Royall Exchange. 1607. 4to. The Famous History of Sir Thomas Wyat. With the Coronation of Queen Mary and the comming in of King Philip. As it was plaied by the Queens Maiesties Seruants. Written by Thomas Deckers, and John Webster. London Printed for Thomas Archer, and are to be solde at his shop in the Popes head Pallace, neere the Royall Exchange. 1612. 4to. When I formerly edited the works of Webster, I was not aware that there existed more than one edition of this play: since that time, a copy of the second quarto has come into my possession (from the sale of Mr. Heber's books). There can be no doubt that The Famous History of Sir Thomas Wyatt consists merely of fragments of two plays, —or rather, a play in Two Parts,-called Lady Jane, concerning which we find the following entries in The Diary of Henslowe: "Lent unto John Thare, the 15 of octobr 1602, to geve unto harey chettell, Thomas Deckers, "Lent unto Thomas Hewode, the 21 of octobr 1602, to paye unto Mr. Dick ers, chette 11, " Pp. 242-3, ed. Shakespeare Soc. Whether the present abridgment of Lady Jane was made by Dekker and Webster (see its title-page), or by some other play-wright, cannot be determined: that it has suffered cruelly from the hands of the transcriber or printer, is certain. THE FAMOUS HISTORY OF SIR THOMAS WYATT. Enter NORTHUMBERLAND and SUFFOLK.* Suff. How fares the king, my lord? speaks he cheerly? North. Even as a dying man, whose life's+ like to Quick lightning, Which is no sooner seen but is extinct. Suff. Is the king's will confirm'd? North. Ay, that's the point that we level at: But, O, the confirmation of that will, 'Tis all, 'tis all ! Suff. That will confirm my daughter queen. North. Right; and my son is married to your daughter. My lord, in an even plain way I will Lies it not in our powers to contradict it? In man's opinion and the world's broad eye. Enter WYATT. North. Sir Thomas, Booted and spurr'd! whither away so fast? When in this land rebellion bears such sway. Since noble Henry's days. You have set you r hands Unto a will; a will you well may call it : So wills Northumberland, so wills great Suffolk, Against God's will, to wrong those princely maids. * Enter Northumberland, &c.] Scene. A room in the palace at Greenwich. † life's] The old copies "life." |