Page images
PDF
EPUB

FALL of MORTIMER.

Α Ν

Historical PLAY.

Reviv'd from MOUNTFORT, with Alterations.

As it is now Acted at the NEW THEATRE

IN THE

HAT-MARKET.

England, bound in with the triumphant Sea, Whofe rocky Shore beats back the envious Siege Of watry Neptune, is now bound in with Shame, With inky Blots, and rotten Parchment Bonds. That England, that was wont to conquer others, Hath made a fhameful Conqueft of herself.

Shakespear's K. Richard II.

The SECOND EDITION, corrected.

LONDON:

Printed for J. MILLAN, at Charing-Crofs.
M,DCC,XXXI.

Price One Shilling and Six-pence.

Spoken by Mr. FURNIVAL.

LIKE fome rich Treasure, long conceal'd from fight, And by a Chance unthought of brought to light, This noble Piece neglected long had lain

But once more rifes to adorn the Scene,

[ocr errors]

And as it once has pleas'd, hopes the fame Fate again. So fmall the Damage it from Time receiv'd, The flighteft Touch the Injury retriev'd. We change the ancient for the modern Drefs, But not the Matter with more force exprefs: The nervous Sentiment no Aid requires That boldly Speaks what Liberty infpires. The British Conftitution, fo much priz'd, Tou'll fee, by one bad Man was almoft facrific'd. Grinding Oppreffion large Advances made, And foul Corruption was become a Trade. Our darling Liberty, our Rights, our Laws, Subverted to fupport the Minion's Caufe. Commerce Abroad, Science at Home declind, And ev'ry boneft, English, Heart repin'd. Mountacute, aided by a Patriot Band, Thofe Guardian Angels of a finking Land, Deploring their lov'd Country's wretched State, Bravely refolv'd to fnatch ber from her Fate: At one bold Pub her Liberties to fave, Or in her Ruins find a glorious Grave. The King is told. The Royal Touth gives Ear, And like a prudent Monarch grants their Pray'r. The Laws revive. The Monfier is caft down: This faves the People's Freedom, and his own.

Our faithful Annals thus tranfmit to Fame, A Villain-Statesman, not the King to blame.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

Ifabella, Queen Mother.

Mrs. Mullart:

Maria, in Love with Mounta

cute, and Niece to Serjeant Mifs Price.

Either fide.

Citizens, Guards and Attendants.

SCENE, Nottingham.

THE

FALL of MORTIMER.

ACT I SCENE I.

The Court of King Edward.

Enter Lord Mountacute, Sir Thomas Delamore, and Sir Robert Holland.

I

L. Mountacute.

T much disturbs me Delamore that thou
Of all Mankind fhould'ft think my
Temper frail:

bafe:

What haft thou ever feen in Mountacute,
Or read i'th' Annals of his Ancestors,
To fear him, or fufpect his Refolution?
Proclaim me Baftard, if my Blood proves
I tell the good old Friend,
I'll banish Sleep and Pleasure till I've found
A Means to fet my bleeding Country free;
And in the Fury of this noble Heat,

Plunge thro' a Sea of Blood for her Deliverance.
Sir Tho. Dela. I queftion not your Spirit, but-
L. Mount. What?

Sir Tho. Dela. Pray give me Leave:

Nay, I must chide you; for you give the Reins
To fuch a Paffion may undo us all.

Are there not sharp Obfervers plac'd about us,
Who, if 'twere poflible, wou'd fearch our Souls?
This eager Fire will quite fore-ftall our Purpose.
L. Mount. Well, I am hush'd:

[blocks in formation]

1

« PreviousContinue »