This “First Part of Jeronimo” is so scarce that many have doubted whether it ever existed; and Mr Coxeter and the author of the “Playhouse Dictionary” were of opinion, that what is called the “Spanish Tragedy, or Hieronimo is Mad again,” was only the old play altered and new-named. Ben Jonson has a passage in the induction to “Cynthia’s Revels,” 1600, that seems to favour that opinion: “Another swears down all that sit about him, that the old Hieronimo, as it was first acted, was the only best and judiciously pen’d play of Europe.” They were, however, two distinct plays, as appears from this copy of the first part, which is printed from one in the valuable collection of David Garrick, Esq. From another passage in the induction to “Cynthia’s Revels,” acted in 1600, it may be conjectured, that “Jeronimo” first appeared on the stage about the year 1588.[287] “They say (says one of the children of the Queen’s Chapel) the ghosts of some three or four plays, _departed a dozen years since_, have been seen walking on your stage here.” THE FIRST PART OF JERONIMO. [_Sound a Signet,[288] and pass over the Stage. Enter at one door the King of Spain, Duke of Castile, Duke Medina_, LORENZO, _and_ ROGERO; _at another door_, ANDREA, HORATIO, _and_ JERONIMO. JERONIMO _kneels down, and the King creates him Marshal of Spain_; LORENZO _puts on his Spurs,[289] and_ ANDREA _his sword. The King goes along with_ JERONIMO _to his House; after a long Signet is sounded, enter all the Nobles, with covered dishes, to the Banquet. Exeunt omnes. That done, enter all again as before._] SPAIN. Frolic, Jeronimo! thou art now confirmed Marshal of Spain by all the dues And customary rights unto thy office. JER. My knee sings thanks unto your highness’ bounty.-- Come hither, boy Horatio; fold thy joints; Kneel by thy father’s loins, and thank my liege, By honouring me, thy mother, and thyself, With this high staff of office. HOR. O my liege, I have a heart thrice stronger than my years, And that shall answer gratefully for me. Let not my youthful blush impair my valour: If ever you have foes, or red field-scars, I’ll empty all my veins to serve your wars; I’ll bleed for you; and more, what speech affords, I’ll speak in drops, when I do fail in words. JER. Well spoke, my boy; and on thy father’s side.-- My liege, how like you Don Horatio’s spirit? What! doth it promise fair? SPAIN. Ay, And no doubt his merit will purchase more. Knight Marshal, rise, and still rise Higher and greater in thy sovereign’s eyes.