It may sound obvious to add that the titles of the plays correspond to the chief subject-matter, were it not that in so many of the Elizabethan plays this is not the case. Take as examples Middleton’s _Changeling_ and _Mayor of Queenborough_. Yet it would be too much to say that all Massinger’s plays are equally successful in this respect. The plot of _The Guardian_, for example, is unusually intricate. Like Shakspere, he occasionally crowds too much into the fifth act—for instance, in _The Unnatural Combat_. The device of the apple which produces so much jealousy and trouble in _The Emperor of the East_ is rather trivial for a tragi-comedy.(108) The promise of Cleora to wear a scarf over her eyes until her jealous lover returns from the war is exasperating.(109) Again, Camiola in _The Maid of Honour_ (III., 3, 200) forgets that Bertoldo is “bound to a single life,” as she had herself pointed out to him (I., 2, 148). Nor does Bertoldo (IV., 3, 100) in his acceptance of her offer say anything about the necessary dispensation. On the other hand, Massinger avoids those scenes on board ship of which Fletcher is so fond, and which on the Jacobean stage must have been ineffective to the spectators, and indeed, are so on any stage.(110) Similarly, it is clear that torture on the stage can hardly be made effective.(111) One of Massinger’s favourite devices is to combine subordinates. He has learnt from _Hamlet_ the lesson of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He has studied the method of such scenes as _Henry V._, I., 2, 97-135; II., 2; III., 5; III., 7. If something has to be done, two or three people express their eagerness to do it. If someone has to be persuaded, two or three of the characters press home the various arguments. This all works for lucidity and ease, and presents a lifelike combination on the stage.(112) Instances of the device abound; let us take one from _The Picture_.(113) The great soldier Ferdinand, on his return from the wars, is received courteously by the old Counsellor Eubulus, but the fashionable young men, Ubaldo and Ricardo, think they can do the thing better; the passage runs thus: RICARDO. This was pretty; But second me now; I cannot stoop too low To do your excellence that due observance Your fortune claims. EUBULUS. He ne’er thinks on his virtues! RICARDO. For, being as you are, the soul of soldiers, And bulwark of Bellona—— UBALDO. The protection Both of the court and king—— RICARDO. And the sole minion Of mighty Mars—— UBALDO. One that with justice may Increase the number of the worthies—— EUBULUS. Heyday! RICARDO. It being impossible in my arms to circle Such giant worth—— UBALDO. At distance we presume To kiss your honour’d gauntlet. EUBULUS. What reply now Can he make to this foppery?