[Of this interlude only two copies have hitherto been discovered, one in the Devonshire collection, the second in the King's Library, British Museum, from the Roxburghe sale. An account of the piece, which has never been reprinted before, is given by Collier ("History of Dramatic Poetry," ii. 381-3). Considering its rarity, early date, and curiosity, it is remarkable that "Nice Wanton" should have escaped Dodsley and his editors.]
A PRETTY INTERLUDE, CALLED NICE WANTON.
Wherein ye may see
Three branches of an ill tree:
The mother and her children three,
Two naught, and one godly.
Early sharp, that will be thorn,
Soon ill, that will be naught:
To be naught, better unborn,
Better unfed than naughtily taught.
Ut magnum magnos, pueros puerilia doctus.
* * * * *
PERSONAGES.
The Messenger.
Barnabas. Iniquity.
Ismael. Baily errand.
Dalilah. Xantippe.
Eulalia. Worldly Shame.
Daniel the Judge.
Anno Domini, M.D.LX.