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Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744

"A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2"

[256]



THE HISTORY OF JACOB AND ESAU.

EDITION.

_A newe mery and wittie Comedie or Enterlude, newely imprinted,
treating upon the Historie of Iacob and Esau, taken out of the xxvij.
Chap. of the first booke of Moses entituled Genesis. Imprinted at
London by Henrie Bynneman, dwelling in Knight-rider Streate, at the
signe of the Mermayde. Anno Domini. 1568. 4to_.
This piece is placed earlier in the series than the mere date of
publication given above would warrant, because the interlude was
licensed in 1557-8, and probably published in pursuance of its
registration at Stationers' Hall. The 4to of 1568 is, however, the only
impression hitherto recovered, and it is of the greatest rarity. An
account of this dramatic curiosity will be found in Collier's "History
of English Dramatic Poetry," 1831. It is now for the first time
reprinted.

THE PARTS AND NAMES OF THE PLAYERS WHO ARE TO BE CONSIDERED TO BE
HEBREWS, AND SO SHOULD BE APPARELLED WITH ATTIRE.
1. THE PROLOGUE, _a Poet_.
2. ISAAC, _an old man, father to Jacob and Esau_.
3. REBECCA, _an old woman, wife to Isaac_.
4. ESAU, _a young man and a hunter_.
5. JACOB, _a young man of godly conversation_.
6. ZETHAR, _a neighbour_.
7. HANAN, _a neighbour to Isaac also_.
8. RAGAN, _servant unto Esau_.
9. MIDO, _a little boy, leading Isaac_.
10. DEBORAH, _the nurse of Isaac's tent_.
11. ABRA, _a little wench, servant to Rebecca_.


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