Ricardo, a young Gentleman, in love with Viola.
Antonio, the Coxcomb Gentleman.
Mercurie, fellow-traveller with Antonio.
Uberto, } three merry Gentlemen, friends to Ricardo.
Pedro,
Silvio,
Valerio, a Countrey Gentleman.
Curio, Kinsman to Antonio.
Justice, a shallow one.
Andrugio, Father to Viola.
Alexander, servant to Mercurie's Mother.
Marke, the Justice's Clerk.
Rowland, servant to Andrugio.
Tinker.
Constable.
Watch.
Drawer.
Musicians.
WOMEN.
Viola, Daughter to Andrugio.
Maria, Wife to Antonio.
A Countrey-woman, Mother to Mercurie.
Nan and } Milk-maids.
Madge.
Dorothie, the Tinkers Trull.
The Scene England, France.
The Principal Actors were
Nathan Field,
Giles Gary,
Rich. Allen,
Robert Benfeild.
Joseph Taylor,
Emanuel Read,
Hugh Atawell,
Will. Barcksted.
[PROLOGUE].
This Comedy long forgot, by some thought dead,
By us preserv'd, once more doth raise her head.
And to your noble censures does present,
Her outward form, and inward ornament.
Nor let this smell of arrogance, since 'tis known,
The makers that confest it for their own
Were this way skilful, and without the crime
Of flatteries I may say did please the time;
The work it self too, when it first came forth,
In the opinion of men of worth,
Was well receiv'd and favour'd, though some rude
And harsh among [th'] ignorant multitude,
(That relish gross food, better than a dish,
That's cook'd with care, and serv'd into the wish,
Of curious pallats) wanting wit and strength,
Truly to judge, condemn'd it for the length,
That fault's reform'd, and now 'tis to be try'd
Before such Judges 'twill not be deny'd
A free and noble hearing: nor fear I,
But 'twill deserve to have free liberty,
And give you cause (and with content) to say,
Their care was good, that did revive this Play.