Digital Renaissance Editions

About this text

  • Title: Jack Juggler (Quarto 1)
  • Editor: David Swain
  • Textual editor: Dr. Sarah Neville
  • Coordinating editor: Brett Greatley-Hirsch
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-490-5

    Copyright David Swain. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Anonymous
    Editor: David Swain
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Jack Juggler (Quarto 1)

    As recordeth the same Tullius cõmending him bi name
    Wherfore this maker deliteth pa s s inglie well
    60Too folow his arguments and to draw out the same
    For to make at seasuns cõuenient pa stims mirth & game
    As now he hath don this matter nor worthe an oy ster shel
    Except percace it shall fortune too make you laugh well

    And for that purpose oonlye this maker did it write
    65Taking the ground therof out of Plautus fir st cõmedie
    And the fir st scentence of ye same for higher things endite
    In no wise he wold, for yet the tyme is so quesie
    That he that speakith be st, is le st thanke worthie
    Therfore sithe nothing but trifles may be had
    70you shall heare a thing yt onlie shal make you merie & glad

    And suche a trifling matter as when it shalbe done
    you may report and saye ye haue hearde nothing at all
    Therfore I tell you all, before it bee begone
    That no man looke to heare of mattiers fub stancyall
    75Nor mattiers of any grauitee either great or small
    For this maker shewed vs that suche maner things
    Doo neuer well besime litle boyes handelinges

    Wherfore yf he wylnot sowrelie your broues bend
    At suche a fanta sticall conceite as this
    80But can be content to heare and see the ende
    I woll goo shew the actours what your pleasure is
    Which to wait vpoon you I know bee redie or this
    I woll goo send them hither in too your presens
    Desiryng that they may haue quiet audience
    Jake