Sir Martin Mar-all was performed by the Duke of York's servants, probably at the desire of the Duke of Newcastle, as Dryden was engaged to write for the other house. It seems to have been acted in 1667, and was published, but without the author's name, in 1668.
PROLOGUE.
Fools, which each man meets in his dish each day, Are yet the great regalios of a play; In which to poets you but just appear, To prize that highest, which cost them so dear; Fops in the town more easily will pass; One story makes a statutable ass: But such in plays must be much thicker sown, Like yolks of eggs, a dozen beat to one. Observing poets all their walks invade, As men watch woodcocks gliding through a glade: And when they have enough for comedy, They stow their several bodies in a pye: The poet's but the cook to fashion it, For, gallants, you yourselves have found the wit. To bid you welcome, would your bounty wrong; None welcome those who bring their cheer along.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
Lord Dartmouth, in love with Mrs Christian.
Mr Moody, the Swash-buckler[A].
Sir Martin Mar-all, a fool.
Warner, his man.
Sir John Swallow, a Kentish knight.
Lady Dupe, the old lady.
Mrs Christian, her young niece.
Mrs Millisent, the Swash-buckler's daughter.
Rose, her maid.
Mrs Preparation, woman to the old lady.
Other Servants, men and women, a Carrier, Bailiffs.
SCENE—Covent Garden.