The Works Beaumont and Fletcher: The Text from Formed from a New Collation of the Early Editions a Biographical, Vol. 7 (Classic Reprint)

WofM nP leased vras, in all likelihood, wholly oompoaed hy Fletcher. The date of its first production on the stage has not been disoovered. That part of the play which relates to Belvldere andS ilvio after the banishment of the latter, may be traced to Chancer sW if of Bathes Tale rather than to the ballad ofT heM arriage of Sir Oawaine which Percy thought might have famished Chauoer with the tale in question, but which Tyrwhitt regards as less ancient than the time of Chaucer. What I subjoin concemiug the poets obligations to Boccaccio is borrowed, with several omissions and alterations, from Weber sobservations on this tragi-comedy. The last scene of the second act is founded on theS ixth Novel of theS eventh Day with no considerable variation. I sabella, the wife of a rich and valiant Florentine knight, was enamoured of the young Leonetto, and at the same time besieged by the importunities of Lambertuccio, whom she much disliked, but whose threats induced her to promise a compliance with his desires. Her fitvoured lover had joined her, by invitation, at a country-house, during the absence of her husband; but their happiness was soon disturbed by the arrival of Lambertuccio, and she was forced to conceal Leonetto behind the bed-curtain. Lambertuccio had not been long with his mistress when the unexpected return of the husband was announced to them. By I sabellas advice, Lambertuccio drew his poignard on the husbands approach, and muttering imprecations against the coward who had shielded himself in the hohse from the effects of his vnrath, mounted his horse, and departed. I sabella then informed her husband, within hearing of the concealed Leonetto, that a youth had taken shelter in the house, pursued by Lambertuccio. Leonetto now inued from his hiding-place, and related that he had been attacked by Lambertuccio, who either must be a madman, or else had mi
(Typographical errors above are due to OCR software and don't occur in the book.)