 | Mortimer his Fall |  |
Arguments.
The first Act comprehends Mortimers pride and securitie, raysed to the degree of an Earle, by the Queenes favour, and love; with the Counsells of Adam D'orlton, the politique B. of Worc'ter, against Lancaster.
The Chorus of Ladyes, celebrating the worthinesse of the Queene; in rewarding Mortimers services, and the Bishops.
The second Act shewes the Kings love, and respect to his Mother, that will heare nothing against Mortimers greatnesse, or beleeve any report of her extraordinary favours to him, but imputes all to his Cosin Lancasters envie; and commands there-after, an utter silence of those matters.
The Chorus of Courtiers, celebrating the Kings worthinesse of Nature, and Affection to his Mother, who will heare nothing, that may trench upon her honour, though deliver'd by his Kinsman, of such neerenesse, and thereby take occasion to extoll the Kings pietie, and their owne happinesse under such a King.
The third Act relates (by the occasion of a vision, the blind Earle of L. had) to the Kings Brother E. of Cornwall, the horrour of their Fathers death, and the cunning making away of their Uncle, the Earle of K. by Mortimers hired practise.
The Chorus of Countrey Justices, and their Wives, telling how they were deluded, and made beleeve, the old King liv'd, by the shew of him in Corfe Castle; and how they saw him eat, and use his knife, like the old King, &c. with the description of the feigned Lights, and Masques there, that deceiv'd 'hem, all which came from the Court.
The fourth Act expresseth by conference betweene the K. and his Brother a change, and intention to explore the truth of those reports, and a charge of employing W. Montacute, to get the keyes of the Castle of Nott. into the K. power, and draw the Constable, Sir Rob. D'Eland, to their party.
Mortimers securitie, scorne of the Nobilitie, too much familiaritie with the Queene, related by the Chorus, the report of the Kings surprizing him in his Mothers bed-chamber, a generall gladnesse, his being sent to execution.
The fifth Act, the Earle of Lancasters following the crie, and meeting the report. The Celebration of the Kings Justice.
| Mortimer his Fall | |