Beaumont and Fletcher; those twin stars that run Or Bessus walk'd the stage by Falstaff's side.' Colman's version was reprinted in 1764, 1780, and 1791. Colman edited, in 1778, Beaumont and Fletcher's works in ten volumes, and succeeding editions have been those of Weber, 1812; Darley, 1840; and Dyce, 1843. Of these, that of Dyce is far the fullest and most valuable. Philaster has not been hitherto published separately, but Benno Leonhardt in Anglia (vol. xix.) has printed the chief textual variations in the early editions. The same writer, in Anglia (vol. viii.), wrote a suggestive but over-elaborated article on the relations of Philaster to Hamlet and Cymbeline. The play has been translated into German by A. Seubert. DRAMATIS PERSONÆ KING PHILASTER, Heir to the Crown of Sicily THRASILINE A Country Fellow Two Woodmen Guard, Attendants. ARETHUSA, Daughter to the King EUPHRASIA, Daughter to Dion, disguised as a Page under the name of BELLario MEGRA, a Court Lady GALATEA, a Lady attending the Princess SCENE.-MESSINA and its neighbourhood. PHILASTER OR LOVE LIES A-BLEEDING ACT THE FIRST SCENE I The Presence Chamber in the Palace. Enter Dion, Cleremont, and Thrasiline. Cle. Here's nor lords nor ladies. Dion. Credit me, gentlemen, I wonder at it. They received strict charge from the King to attend here: besides, it was boldly published, that no officer should forbid any gentleman that desired to attend and hear. Cle. Can you guess the cause? IO Dion. Sir, it is plain, about the Spanish Prince, that's come to marry our kingdom's heir and be our sovereign. Thra. Many, that will seem to know much, say she looks not on him like a maid in love. Dion. Faith, sir, the multitude, that seldom know anything but their own opinions, speak that they would have; but the prince, before his own approach, received so many confident messages from the state, that I think she's resolved to be ruled. Cl. Str, it is thought, with her he shall enjoy both these kingdoms of Sicily and Calabria. 19 Dion. Sir, it is without controversy so meant. But 'twill be a troublesome labour for him to enjoy both these kingdoms with safety, the right heir to one of them living, and living so virtuously; especially, the people admiring the bravery of his mind and lamenting his injuries. Cle. Who, Philaster? Dion. Yes; whose father, we all know, was by our late King of Calabria unrighteously deposed from his fruitful Sicily. Myself drew some blood in those wars, which I would give my hand to be washed from. 30 Cle. Sir, my ignorance in state-policy will not let me know why, Philaster being heir to one of these kingdoms, the King should suffer him to walk abroad with such free liberty. Dion. Sir, it seems your nature is more constant than to inquire after state-news. But the King, of late, made a hazard of both the kingdoms, of Sicily and his own, with offering but to imprison Philaster; at which the city was in arms, not to be charmed down by any state-order or proclamation, till they saw Philaster ride through the streets pleased and without a guard; at which they threw their hats and |