A newe mery and wittie Comedie or Enterlude, newely imprinted, treating upon the Historie of Iacob and Esau, taken out of the xxvij. Chap. of the first booke of Moses entituled Genesis. Imprinted at London by Henrie Bynneman, dwelling in Knight-rider Streate, at the signe of the Mermayde. Anno Domini. 1568. 4to.
This piece is placed earlier in the series than the mere date of publication given above would warrant, because the interlude was licensed in 1557-8, and probably published in pursuance of its registration at Stationers' Hall. The 4to of 1568 is, however, the only impression hitherto recovered, and it is of the greatest rarity. An account of this dramatic curiosity will be found in Collier's "History of English Dramatic Poetry," 1831. It is now for the first time reprinted.
THE PARTS AND NAMES OF THE PLAYERS WHO ARE TO BE CONSIDERED TO BE HEBREWS, AND SO SHOULD BE APPARELLED WITH ATTIRE.
1. THE PROLOGUE, a Poet.
2. ISAAC, an old man, father to Jacob and Esau.
3. REBECCA, an old woman, wife to Isaac.
4. ESAU, a young man and a hunter.
5. JACOB, a young man of godly conversation.
6. ZETHAR, a neighbour.
7. HANAN, a neighbour to Isaac also.
8. RAGAN, servant unto Esau.
9. MIDO, a little boy, leading Isaac.
10. DEBORAH, the nurse of Isaac's tent.
11. ABRA, a little wench, servant to Rebecca.
PROLOGUE OF THE PLAY.
In the book of Genesis it is expressed,
That when God to Abraham made sure promise,
That in his seed all nations should be blessed:
To send him a son by Sarah he did not miss.
Then to Isaac (as there recorded it is)
By Rebecca his wife, who had long time been barren,
When pleased him, at one birth he sent sons twain.
But before Jacob and Esau yet born were,
Or had either done good, or ill perpetrate:
As the prophet Malachi and Paul witness bear,
Jacob was chosen, and Esau reprobate:
Jacob I love (saith God) and Esau I hate.
For it is not (saith Paul) in man's renewing or will,
But in God's mercy, who chooseth whom he will.
But now for our coming we shall exhibit here,
Of Jacob and Esau how the story was;
Whereby God's adoption may plainly appear:
And also that, whatever God's ordinance was,
Nothing might defeat, but that it must come to pass.
That, if this story may your eyes or ears delight,
We pray you of patience, while we it recite.