Note 13 — A. H. BULLEN, B.A.
Reading edition
There were really two separate editions of the unrevised play published in 1604. I too hastily assumed that the copy in the Dyce Library was identical with the copy in the British Museum, apart from such textual variations as are frequently found in copies of the same impression of an old play; but I have since discovered that the two copies belong to separate editions. The title of the enlarged edition is curious: The Malcontent. Augmented by Marston. With the Additions played by the Kings Maiesties Servants. Written by Ihon Webster. Slovenly wording and vicious punctuation.
John Davies of Hereford, in the Scourge of Folly (1611?), has the following epigram on The Malcontent:—
“To acute Mr. John Marston.
“Thy Malcontent or Malcontentedness Hath made thee change thy muse, as some do guess; If time misspent make her a malcontent Thou need’st not then her timely change repent. The end will show it; meanwhile do but please With virtuous pains as erst thou didst with ease, Thou shalt be praised and kept from want and woe; So blest are crosses that do bless us so.”