THIS Play was originally acted before Queen Elizabeth, at the Inner Temple, in the year 1568. It was the production of five Gentlemen, who were probably Students of that Society; and by one of them, Mr. Robert Wilmot, afterwards much altered and published in the year 1592. Of the Editor Mr. Wilmot' no further account can be obtained*. From a passage in his Dedication to the Societies of the Inner and Middle Temples, in which he speaks of the censure which might be cast upon him from the indecorum of publishing a Dramatick Work arising from his calling, it may be conjectured that he had diverted his studies from Law to Divinity, and had then taken orders. He was certainly then resident in the County of Essex; but when he died, or whether he left any other works, I have not been able to discover. 1 He is mentioned by Webbe, in his Discourse of English Poetrie, 1586, Sign. C 4, with other Poets of that time, as Whetstone, Munday, John Graunge Knight, Wylmot, Darrell, FC, FK, GB, and others whose names he could not remember. * Robert Wilmot, A. M. was presented to the rectory of North Okenham in Essex, the 28th of Nov. 1582, by Gabriel Poyntz : and to the vicarage of Horndon on the Hill, in the same county, the 2d Dec. 1585, by the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's.-Newcourt's Repertorium. S. To the Right Worshipful and Virtuous Ladies, the Lady MARY PETER, and the Lady ANNE GRAY, long health of body, with quiet of mind, in the favour of God and Men for ever. It is most certain (right virtuous and worshipful) that of all human learning, Poetry (how contemptible so ever it is in these days) is the most ancient; and in Poetry, there is no argument of more antiquity and elegancy than is the matter of Love; for it seems to be as old as the world, and to bear date from the first time that man and woman was: therefore in this, as in the finest metal, the freshest wits have in all ages shown their best workmanship. So amongst others these Gentlemen, which with what sweetness of voice and liveliness of action they then expressed it, they which were of her Majesty's right Honourable Maidens can testify. Which being a discourse of two lovers, perhaps it may seem a thing neither fit to be offered unto your Ladyships, nor worthy me to busy myself withall: yet can I tell you, Madams, it differeth so far from the ordinary amorous discourses of our days, as the manners of our time do from the modesty and innocency of that age. And now for that weary winter is come upon us, which bringeth with him drooping days and tedious nights, if it be true, that the motions of our minds follow the temperature of the air wherein we live, then I think, the perusing of some mournful matter, tending to the view of a notable example, will refresh your wits in a gloomy day, and ease your weariness of the louring night. Which if it please you, may serve ye also for a solemn revel against this Festival time, for Gismunds bloody shadow, with a little cost, may be intreated in her self-like person to speak to ye. Having therefore a desire to be known to your W. I devised this way with myself to procure the same, persuading myself, there is nothing more welcome to your wisdoms, then the knowledge of wise, grave, and worthy matters, tending to the good instructions of youths, of whom you are mothers. In this respect therefore, I shall humbly desire ye to bestow a favourable countenance upon this little labour, which when ye have graced it withall, I must and will acknowledge myself greatly indebted unto your Ladyships in this behalf: neither shall I amongst the rest, that admire your rare virtues (which are not a few in Essex), cease to commend this undeserved gentleness. Thus desiring the king of heaven to increase his graces in ye both, granting that your ends may be as honourable, as your lives are virtuous, I leave with a vain babble of many needless words to trouble you longer. Your Worships most dutiful and humble Orator, ROBERT WILMOT. |