1655. Jean Bell.
Editions by A. W. Ward (1878, &c.), C. M. Gayley (1903, R. E. C. i), W. A. Neilson (1911, C. E. D.), and J. S. Farmer (1914, S. F. T.).—Dissertation: O. Ritter, De R. G. Fabula: F. B. and F. B. (1866, Thorn diss.). Fleay, in Appendix B to Ward's ed., argues from I. i. 137, 'next Friday is S. James', that the date of the play is 1589, in which year St. James's Day fell on a Friday. This does not seem to me a very reliable argument. Probably the play followed not long after Marlowe's Doctor Faustus (q.v.), itself probably written in 1588-9. The date of 1589, which Ward, i. 396, and Gayley, 411, accept, is likely enough. Collins prefers 1591-2, and notes (ii. 4) a general resemblance in tone and theme to Fair Em, but there is nothing to indicate the priority of either play, and no charge of plagiarism in the pamphlets (vide supra) to which Fair Em gave rise. Friar Bacon was revived by Strange's men on 19 Feb. 1592, and again by the Queen's and Sussex's men together on 1 April 1594. Doubtless it was Henslowe's property, as Middleton wrote a prologue and epilogue for a performance by the Admiral's men at Court at Christmas 1602 (Greg, Henslowe, ii. 149).
Orlando Furioso. c. 1591
[MS.] The Dulwich MSS. contain an actor's copy with cues of Orlando's part. Doubtless it belonged to Alleyn. The fragment covers ll. 595-1592 of the Q_{q}, but contains passages not in those texts. It is printed by Collier, Alleyn Papers, 198, Collins, i. 266, and Greg, Henslowe Papers, 155. S. R. 1593, Dec. 7. 'A plaie booke, intituled, the historye of Orlando ffurioso, one of the xij peeres of Ffraunce.' John Danter (Arber, ii. 641). 1594, May 28. 'Entred for his copie by consent of John Danter. . . . A booke entytuled The historie of Orlando furioso, &c. Prouided alwaies, and yt is agreed that soe often as the same booke shalbe printed, the saide John Danter to haue thimpryntinge thereof. Cuthbert Burby (Arber, ii. 650). 1594. The Historie of Orlando Furioso One of the twelve Pieres of France. As it was plaid before the Queenes Maiestie. John Danter for Cuthbert Burby.
1599. Simon Stafford for Cuthbert Burby.
Edition by W. W. Greg (1907, M. S. R.).
The Armada (1588) is referred to in I. i. 87. Two passages are common to the play and Peele's Old Wive's Tale (before 1595), and were probably borrowed by Peele with the name Sacripant, which Greene got from Ariosto. The play cannot be the 'King Charlemagne' of Peele's (q.v.) Farewell (April 1589), as Charlemagne does not appear in it. The appearance of Sir John Harington's translation of Ariosto's Orlando Furioso in 1591 suggests that as a likely date. This also would fit the story (vide supra) of the second sale to the Admiral's men, when the Queen's 'were in the country' (cf. vol. ii, p. 112). Strange's men played Orlando for Henslowe on 22 Feb. 1592. Collins, i. 217, seems to accept 1591 as the date, but Fleay, i. 263, Ward, i. 395, and Gayley, 409,
