This not ill-written drama, which is built on the familiar historical episode of Wat Tyler, as narrated in the chronicles, is chiefly in blank verse, but occasionally in rhyme, and consists of four acts only. Mr Collier does not appear to notice it in his "Dramatic Annals." It is now reprinted for the first time.
There are passages in "The Life and Death of Jack Straw" which lead us to suspect that it might prove to be an early work of some distinguished dramatist; it is a question if it was ever revised after its original composition, as it bears many marks of carelessness and inexperience.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.[433]
- The King [Richard II.]
- Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Lord Treasurer.
- Secretary of State.
- The Earl of Salisbury.
- Sir John Morton, Governor of Rochester.
- Sir John Newton.
- Lord Mayor of London [Walworth.]
- Jack Straw, a rebel.
- Wat Tyler, a rebel.
- Tom Miller, the clown.
- John Ball, a parson.
- Hob Carter, a rustic.
- Nobs, a boy.
- A Bishop.
- A Fleming.
- Messenger.
- The Queen-Mother.
THE LIFE AND DEATH
OF
JACK STRAW.
FOOTNOTES:
[433] [Not in the old copies.]
[ACTUS PRIMUS.]
Collector, Jack Straw.