[383] i.e., Venalis sub hastâ.—Steevens. See also note on "The Parson's Wedding."

SOLIMAN AND PERSEDA.

EDITION.

The Tragedy of Solyman and Perseda. Wherein is laid open Loves constancy, Fortunes inconstancy, and Deaths Triumphs. At London. Printed by Edward Allde for Edward White, and are to be solde at the little North doore of Paule's Church at the signe of the Gun. [1599.] 4°.

Some copies are dated 1599, and Dr Bliss's purported on the title-page to be "newly corrected and amended," but there was only one impression, which received no fewer than three title-pages. Compare Hazlitt, p. 468.

Though not printed till 1599, the introduction of a part of the story into Kyd's "Spanish Tragedy," licensed in 1592, may seem to show that the play had been written, partly or wholly, several years before.

[HAWKINS'S PREFACE.]

The "Tragedy of Soliman and Perseda" is given from Mr Garrick's copy, printed by Edward Allde, 1599. The author having concealed his name, we cannot pronounce by whom it was written; though, might the editor be allowed to indulge a conjecture, he would ascribe it to Kyd, as it carries with it many internal marks of that author's manner of composition. The plan is similar to that of "The Spanish Tragedy," and the same phrases frequently occur in both. It is farther observable, that in "The Spanish Tragedy" the story of "Erastus and Perseda" is introduced by Hieronimo, in order, it should seem, to bespeak the attention of the audience to a more regular and a more perfect representation of their tragical catastrophe. Shakespeare has frequently quoted passages out of this play, as the reader will occasionally observe. It is not divided into acts—at least, they are not particularly marked; but there is no doubt that the author intended each act should close with the Chorus, and it is therefore divided accordingly.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.