~Literature.~ Mr. Bullen’s _Introduction_ is the best monograph on the play. Warnke and Proescholt’s _Introduction_ should be consulted, but lacks the distinction of style and the critical insight of Mr. Bullen’s essay. Excellent analyses and criticisms of the play are in Charles Knight’s _Doubtful Plays_ (‘Pictorial Shakespere’); J. A. Symonds’ _Shakspere’s Predecessors_; Alfred Mézières’ _Prédécesseurs et Contemporains de Shakspeare_. Mr. Fleay in his _Biographical Chronicle of the English Drama_ (1891) has suggested Kyd as the author of _Arden_. [Illustration] ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM DRAMATIS PERSONÆ THOMAS ARDEN, Gentleman, of Feversham FRANKLIN, his Friend MOSBIE CLARKE, a Painter ADAM FOWLE, Landlord of the Flower-de-Luce BRADSHAW, a Goldsmith MICHAEL, Arden’s Servant GREENE RICHARD REEDE, a Sailor BLACK WILL } Murderers SHAKEBAG } A PRENTICE A FERRYMAN LORD CHEINY, and his Men MAYOR OF FEVERSHAM, and Watch ALICE, Arden’s Wife SUSAN, Mosbie’s Sister ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM ACT I _A Room in Arden’s House._ _Enter Arden and Franklin._ _Franklin._ Arden, cheer up thy spirits, and droop no more! My gracious Lord, the Duke of Somerset, Hath freely given to thee and to thy heirs, By letters patents from his Majesty, All the lands of the Abbey of Feversham. Here are the deeds, [_He hands them._ Sealed and subscribed with his name and the king’s: Read them, and leave this melancholy mood. _Arden._ Franklin, thy love prolongs my weary life; And but for thee how odious were this life, 10 That shows me nothing but torments my soul, And those foul objects that offend mine eyes! Which makes me wish that for this veil of heaven The earth hung over my head and covered me. Love-letters pass ’twixt Mosbie and my wife, And they have privy meetings in the town: Nay, on his finger did I spy the ring Which at our marriage-day the priest put on. Can any grief be half so great as this? _Franklin._ Comfort thyself, sweet friend; it is not strange 20 That women will be false and wavering. _Arden._ Ay, but to dote on such a one as he Is monstrous, Franklin, and intolerable. _Franklin._ Why, what is he? _Arden._ A botcher, and no better at the first; Who, by base brokage getting some small stock, Crept into service of a nobleman, And by his servile flattery and fawning Is now become the steward of his house, And bravely jets it in his silken gown. 30 _Franklin._ No nobleman will countenance such a peasant.