Volume III Part 48 (1/2)

[682] Where _lacunae_ occur the clauses are unfit for publication.

[683] In the margin are the words ”he is layd for,”--_i.e._, steps are being taken for his apprehension.

[684] Quoted.

No. IV.

An edition of Marlowe cannot be more fitly concluded than by a reprint of Mr. R. H. Horne's n.o.ble and pathetic tragedy, _The Death of Marlowe_ (originally published in 1837), one of the few dramatic pieces of the present century that will have any interest for posterity. For permission to reprint this tragedy I am indebted to Mr. Horne's literary executor, Mr. H. Buxton Forman.

THE DEATH OF MARLOWE.

_DRAMATIS PERSONae._

CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE, } _Dramatists and Actors._ THOMAS HEYWOOD, }

THOMAS MIDDLETON, _Dramatist._

CECILIA } _Runaway Wife of the drunkard, } Bengough._

JACCONOT, _alias_ } _A Tavern Pander and Swashbuckler._ JACK-O'-NIGHT }

_Gentlemen, Officers, Servants, &c._

SCENE I.

_Public Gardens--Liberty of the Clink, Southwark._

_Enter_ MARLOWE _and_ HEYWOOD.

HEYWOOD.

Be sure of it.

MARLOWE.

I am; but not by your light.

HEYWOOD.

I speak it not in malice, nor in envy Of your good fortune with so bright a beauty; But I have heard such things!

MARLOWE.

Good Master Heywood, I prithee plague me not with what thou'st heard; I've seen, and I do love her--and, for hearing, The music of her voice is in my soul, And holds a rapturous jubilee 'midst dreams That melt the day and night into one bliss.

HEYWOOD.

Beware the waking hour!

MARLOWE.