IV, 4, 134.
The reference is to the several kinds of May games which were performed at this season of the year. They consisted of short dramatic pieces of French origin. The earliest known is that of the “Jeu de Robin et Marian,” which was played in 1392. M. Guy quotes it as folk going “desguiziez un Jeu qui l’endit Robin et Marian ainsi qu’il est accoutume de fere chacun an en les foiries de Penthecouste.” These pieces were a mixture of folk song and minstreling, which developed into a kind of primitive drama. The principal characters being represented by Shepherds and Shepherdesses, surrounded by woodland scenery. In Molière’s plays will be found two of these pastoral dramas, “Melicente,” comedie pastorale heroique; another was simply entitled, “Pastorale comique.”
THE
LONDON
Prodigall.
As it was plaide by the Kings Maiesties seruants.
By VVilliam Shakespeare,
LONDON.
Printed by T. C. for Nathaniel Butter, and
are to be sold neere S. Austins gate,
at the signe of the pyde Bull.
1605.