FOOTNOTES:

[419] [Old copy, mine.]

[420] [Dispense with him.]

[421] [Old copy, morrow burning.]

[422] [Old copy, drops.]

[423] [Distinguishing, discerning.]

[424] [An exclamation of impatience, because the witnesses are not despatched.]

[425] [Old copy, in the.]

[426] [Old copy, porpuse; but there is no reason to suppose that the speaker was intended to blunder.]

[427] [Old copy, pinck-anyed. See Nares and Halliwell in v.]

[428] [Old copy, or.]

[429] [Old copy, her.]

[430] [Old copy, said'st.]

[431] Old copy, Sawst.

[432] [Queen Elizabeth.]

[LIFE AND DEATH]
OF
JACK STRAW.

EDITIONS.

The Life and Death of Iack Straw, a notable Rebell in England: who was kild in Smithfield by the Lord Maior of London. Printed at London by Iohn Danter, and are to be solde by William Barley at his shop in Gratious-street ouer against Leaden-Hall, 1593. [In the colophon, 1594.] 4°. Black letter.

The Life and Death of Iacke Straw.... Printed at London for Thomas Pauyer, and are to be sold at his shop at the entering into the Exchange. 1604. 4°.

Both these editions are of the highest rarity, the copy of the former in the Garrick Collection being the only one which has occurred to notice, and of the latter, the Malone and Heber copies being all that seem to be known.

This not ill-written drama, which is built on the familiar historical episode of Wat Tyler, as narrated in the chronicles, is chiefly in blank verse, but occasionally in rhyme, and consists of four acts only. Mr Collier does not appear to notice it in his "Dramatic Annals." It is now reprinted for the first time.

There are passages in "The Life and Death of Jack Straw" which lead us to suspect that it might prove to be an early work of some distinguished dramatist; it is a question if it was ever revised after its original composition, as it bears many marks of carelessness and inexperience.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.[433]

THE LIFE AND DEATH
OF
JACK STRAW.