Scene: London and the neighbouring Country, excepting Act IV. Scene ii., where it is in Moldavia.

The Knight of the Burning Pestle

Induction

Several Gentlemen sitting on Stools upon the Stage. The Citizen, his Wife, and Ralph sitting below among the audience.

Enter Speaker of the Prologue.

S. of Prol. “From all that’s near the court, from all that’s great,
Within the compass of the city-walls—
We now have brought our scene——”

Citizen leaps on the Stage.

Cit. Hold your peace, goodman boy!

S. of Prol. What do you mean, sir?

Cit. That you have no good meaning: this seven years there hath been plays at this house, I have observed it, you have still girds at citizens; and now you call your play “The London Merchant.” Down with your title, boy! down with your title!

S. of Prol. Are you a member of the noble city?

Cit. I am.

S. of Prol. And a freeman?

Cit. Yea, and a grocer.

S. of Prol. So, grocer, then, by your sweet favour, we intend no abuse to the city.

Cit. No, sir! yes, sir: if you were not resolved to play the Jacks, what need you study for new subjects, purposely to abuse your betters? why could not you be contented, as well as others, with “The legend of Whittington,” or “The Life and Death of Sir Thomas Gresham, with the building of the Royal Exchange,” or “The story of Queen Eleanor, with the rearing of London Bridge upon woolsacks?”

S. of Prol. You seem to be an understanding man: what would you have us do, sir?

Cit. Why, present something notably in honour of the commons of the city.

S. of Prol. Why, what do you say to “The Life and Death of fat Drake, or the Repairing of Fleet-privies?”

Cit. I do not like that; but I will have a citizen, and he shall be of my own trade.

S. of Prol. Oh, you should have told us your mind a month since; our play is ready to begin now.

Cit. ’Tis all one for that; I will have a grocer, and he shall do admirable things.

S. of Prol. What will you have him do?