". . one of the funniest plays in English . ."
Gerald Weales, The Reporter
". . a masterpiece, champagne of English late 17th-century jest."
Harold Clurman, Nation
". . some of the most salaciously funny scenes and speeches
known to dramatic literature."
Time
"It is a brilliant play."
Brooks Atkinson, New York Times
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CHARACTERS
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Master Horner
Master Harcourt
Master Pinchwife
Master Sparkish
Sir Jasper Fidget
Mrs. Margery Pinchwife*
Mrs. Alithea**
My Lady Fidget
Mrs. Dainty Fidget*
Mrs. Squeamish**
*roles of Mrs. Margery Pinchwife and Mrs. Dainty Fidget can be shared by one player
**roles of Mrs. Alithea and Mrs. Squeamish can be shared by one player
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SETTING
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London
ACT I
Scene 1--Horner’s lodging
Scene 2--A room in Pinchwife’s house
Scene 3--A room in Pinchwife’s house
Scene 4--The New Exchange
INTERMISSION
ACT II
Scene 1--Pinchwife’s house in the morning
Scene 2--A bedchamber in Pinchwife’s house
Scene 3--Horner’s lodging
Scene 4--A room in Pinchwife’s house
Scene 5--Horner’s lodging
Scene 6--The Piazza of Covent Garden
Scene 7--Horner’s lodging
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SYNOPSIS
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That lewd rake-hell Harry Horner has caused himself to be reported "no man" so the cuckolds-to-be will let the libertine at their wives, foh! Will coxcomb Master Sparkish, that foppish wretch below injury, keep true wits Horner and that other bubbling rogue Harcourt, away from his seraphic lady (and from disparaging his parts)? ‘Tis a wicked, censorious world we live in!
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