BARTHOLOMEW FAIR

A COMEDY

Acted in the Year, 1614
By the Lady Elizabeth’s Servants
And then dedicated to King James,
of most Blessed Memorie

BY

BEN JONSON

[DRAMATIS PERSONÆ]

JOHN LITTLEWIT, a Proctor.
ZEAL-OF-THE-LAND BUSY, Suitor toDame PURECRAFT, a Banbury Man.
WINWIFE, his rival, aGentleman.
TOM QUARLOUS, companion to WINWIFE, a Gamester.
BARTHOLOMEW COKES, an Esquire of Harrow.
HUMPHREY WASPE, his Man.
ADAM OVERDO, a Justice of Peace.
LANTHORN LEATHERHEAD, a Hobby-Horse Seller (Toyman).
EZECHIEL EDGWORTH, a Cutpurse.
NIGHTINGALE, aBallad-Singer.
MOONCALF, Tapster toURSULA.
DAN. JORDAN KNOCKEM, aHorse-Courser, and a Ranger of Turnbull.
VAL. CUTTING, a Roarer, or Bully.
CAPTAIN WHIT, a Bawd.
TROUBLE-ALL, a Madman.
BRISTLE,
HAGGISE,
}Watchmen.
POCHER, a Beadle.
FILCHER,
SHARKWELL,
}Door-keepers to the Puppet-Show.
SOLOMON, LITTLEWIT’S Man.
NORTHERN, a Clothier(a Northern Man).
PUPPY, a Wrestler(a Western Man).
WIN-THE-FIGHT LITTLEWIT.
DAME PURECRAFT, her Mother, and a Widow.
DAME OVERDO.
GRACE WELLBORN, Ward to Justice OVERDO.
JOAN TRASH, a Gingerbread-Woman.
URSULA, aPig-Woman.
ALICE, Mistress o’ thegame.
Costard-Monger, Mousetrap-Man, Corn-Cutter, Watch, Porters,Puppets, Passengers, Mob, Boys, etc.

[PROLOGUE.]

TO THE KING’S MAJESTY.

Your Majesty is welcome to a Fair;