Act 5 — LIFE AND DEATH OF JACK STRAW.
Reading edition
EDITIONS.
The Life and Death of Iack Straw, a notable Rebell in England: who was kild in Smithfield by the Lord Maior of London. Printed at London by Iohn Danter, and are to be solde by William Barley at his shop in Gratious-street ouer against Leaden-Hall, 1593. [In the colophon, 1594.] 4°. Black letter.
The Life and Death of Iacke Straw.... Printed at London for Thomas Pauyer, and are to be sold at his shop at the entering into the Exchange. 1604. 4°.
Both these editions are of the highest rarity, the copy of the former in the Garrick Collection being the only one which has occurred to notice, and of the latter, the Malone and Heber copies being all that seem to be known.
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.