Editions in O. E. D. (1830, iii) and by C. W. Dilke (1814, O. E. P. v) and W. A. Neilson (1911, C. E. D.).
The date of Q1 is doubtless 1608/9 and the Court performance that by the Children of Blackfriars on 1 Jan. 1609. They must have taken the play over from Paul’s when these went under in 1606 or 1607. The title is probably proverbial, and therefore the phrase ‘We are in the way to catch the old one’ in Isle of Gulls, II. v, hardly enables us to date the play with Fleay, ii. 92, before Day’s, which was in Feb. 1606.
A Mad World, my Masters. 1604 < > 6 (?)
S. R. 1608, Oct. 4. ‘A Booke called A Mad World (my Maysters).’ Walter Burre and Eleazar Edgar (Arber, iii. 391). [The licenser is Segar, ‘Deputy of Sir George Bucke’.]
1608. A Mad World, My Masters. As it hath bin lately in Action by the Children of Paules. Composed by T. M. H. B. for Walter Burre.
S. R. 1613, April 19. Transfer to John Hodgettes of Edgar’s share (Arber, iii. 520).
1640.... A Comedy. As it hath bin often Acted at the Private House in Salisbury Court, by her Majesties Servants.... For J. S., sold by James Becket. [Epistle to Reader, signed ‘J. S.’]
Edition by W. Scott (1810, A. B. D. ii).
The epistle says ‘it is full twenty years since it was written’, which is absurd. A pamphlet of the same title by Breton in 1603, hits at the Jacobean knightings in I. i. 64, II. v. 41, and the Family of Love in I. ii. 73, and the disappearance of Paul’s in 1606 or 1607 are the only indications of date. In Acts IV and V the duplicate names Once-Ill-Brothel, Hargrave-Harebrain, Shortrod-Harebrain suggest revision.
Michaelmas Term. 1606 (?)