Editions by T. Hawkins (1773, O. E. D. ii), J. M. Manly (1897, Specimens, ii. 419), and W. W. Greg (1912, M. S. R.).—Dissertations: B. Neitzel (1904, Halle diss.); M. Dannenberg, Die Verwendung des biblischen Stoffes von David und Bathseba im englischen Drama (1905, Königsberg diss.).
Fleay, ii. 153, dates the play c. 1588 on the ground of some not very plausible political allusions. The text as it stands looks like a boildown of a piece, perhaps of a neo-miracle type, written in three ‘discourses’. It had choruses, of which two only are preserved. One is ll. 572–95 (at end of sc. iv of M. S. R. ed.). The other (ll. 1646–58; M. S. R. sc. xv) headed ‘Chorus 5’, contains the statement:
this storie lends vs other store,
To make a third discourse of Dauids life,
and is followed by a misplaced fragment of a speech by Absalon.
In Oct. 1602 Henslowe (ii. 232) laid out money for Worcester’s on poles and workmanship ‘for to hange Absolome’; but we need not assume a revival of Peele’s play.
The Old Wive’s Tale. 1591 < > 4
S. R. 1595, Apr. 16. ‘A booke or interlude intituled a pleasant Conceipte called the owlde wifes tale.’ Ralph Hancock (Arber, ii. 296).
1595. The Old Wiues Tale. A pleasant conceited Comedie, played by the Queenes Maiesties players. Written by G. P. John Danter, sold by Ralph Hancock and John Hardie.
Editions by F. B. Gummere (1903, R. E. C.), W. W. Greg (1908, M. S. R.), W. A. Neilson (1911, C. E. D.), F. R. Cady (1916).—Dissertation: H. Dutz, Der Dank des Tödten in der englischen Literatur (1894).