- Duke of Florence.
- Cesario, a young Gentleman of a fiery nature, Son to Alberto,
- Albertus, Father to Cesario, Admiral of Florence.
- Baptista, a brave Sea-Commander, antient friend to Albertus, and Father to Mentivole and Biancha.
- Mentivole, Son to Baptista, Lover of Clarissa.
- Prospero, a noble friend to Baptista.
- Two Magistrates of Florence.
- Host, the supposed Father to Biancha.
- Forobosco, a cheating Mountebank.
- Clown, the Mountebanks man, and setter.
- Three Gentlemen.
- Secretary to the Duke.
- Dancer, } Four fools and knaves,
- Taylor, } who pretend love
- Mulitteer, } Biancha, the Fair
- Pedant, } Maid of the Inn.
- Sailors.
WOMEN.
- Mariana, Wife to Albertus, a virtuous Lady.
- Clarissa, Mariana's Daughter, in love with Mentivole.
- Juliana, Neece to the Duke of Genoa, Baptista's second wife.
- Biancha, the Fair Maid of the Inn, beloved of Cesario, and Daughter to Baptista and Juliana.
- Hostess, the supposed Mother of Biancha.
The Scene, Florence.
PROLOGUE.
Plays have their fates, not as in their true sence
They're understood, but as the influence
Of idle custom, madly works upon
The dross of many tongu'd opinion.
A worthy story, howsoever writ
For Language, modest Mirth, Conceit or Wit,
Meets oftentimes with the sweet commendation
Of hang't, 'tis scurvy, when for approbation
A Jigg shall be clapt at, and every rhime
Prais'd and applauded by a clamorous chime.
Let ignorance and laughter dwell together,
They are beneath the Muses pity. Hither
Come nobler Judgements, and to those the strain
Of our invention is not bent in vain,
The Fair Maid of the Inn to you commends
Her hopes and welcomes, and withal intends
In th' Entertains to which she doth invite ye,
All things to please, a[n]d some things to delight ye.