He tells how Walkadine Hoard was recently on the verge of cheating a young heir out of his property, but, at the last minute before the deal was closed—and after a lot of bargaining on Walkadine Hoard's part—Lucre slipped in and cheated the heir himself. Witgood says he is pleased to make Dampit and Gulf's acquaintance once again. Start by marking “Trick to Catch the Old One (The New Mermaid Series)” as Want to Read: Want to Read. The "widow" agrees with Lucre to resist Hoard if Lucre restores Witgood's estates, and Lucre reluctantly agrees. Witgood advises his past mistress to accept Hoard's proposal and so fix herself for life. Spitchcock and Lamprey bicker over which one of them helped more. Lucre scolds Witgood for not telling him about his engagement. Hoard is angry at Lucre for intercepting his 'deal' with the young heir he meant to cheat (see 1.1). He also says that, although Dampit dresses like a beggar, he is, in fact, very rich—he earned all his money with the devil's help, by cheating and trampling the law. Witgood is in love with Joyce, the niece of another London merchant, Walkadine Hoard. They exit. Lancelot marvels at Dampit's advanced decrepitude. The boy-actors who, circa 1605, first performed Thomas Middleton’s A Trick to Catch the Old One would surely have delighted in the amount of crotch-thrusting that occurs in the first half of Jenny Eastop’s current production at the Rose Theatre, Bankside, drawing our attention to the obsolete significance of words which we may have been in danger of thinking innocent – like ‘do’. He vows revenge. Hoard offer to settle all Witgood's debts if Witgood will agree to release the 'Widow' from the precontract. He assigns each of them a task to perform. Theodorus Witgood, a ruined gentleman, enters and tells how, after foolishly wasting away all his money on brothels and drunkenness in the city, he has lost all of his lands to his uncle, Pecunius Lucre a usurer. Conversely, rival suitors for the "rich widow" arise, including Walkadine Hoard. 2011. Hoard suggests that the 'Widow' should marry him instead. The plan involves going to London (where his uncle is now located), and passing the Courtesan off as a wealthy widow whom Witgood intends to marry. The role of Spitchcock in Middleton’s “A Trick to Catch the Old One” is somewhat minor: for instance, before the first act, he is described merely as “a gentleman.” However, as we learn from the play, the man is very close to Lucre and Hoard, two eternal rivals who … He says that he would be genuinely pleased to see her snag a profitable marriage to Hoard. In revenge, Witgood and his mistress Jane devise a plot whereby she poses as a wealthy widow visiting London. Walkadine Hoard (Onesiphorus' brother, hereafter referred to as 'Hoard') and Lucre (Witgood's uncle), the two old rivals, meet and exchange insults. Trick to Catch the Old... by. He even convinces them to lend him further funds to help his courtship along. She urges Hoard to pay off Witgood's 'paltry' debts immediately so they can be rid of the rascal forever. A Trick to Catch the Old One was written in 1605 and its central characters are clever London wide boys trying to outdo each other in their cynicism and greed. Hoard agrees to grant her request. His landlady's servant, Audrey begs him to go to bed. Essays and criticism on Thomas Middleton's A Trick to Catch the Old One - Further Critical Evaluation of the Work Last Updated on May 6, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Lancelot (another gentleman) enters. A Trick to Catch the Old One Appendix I Press Variants Appendix II Lineation Appendix III Thomas Ravenscroft and 'The Scrivener's Servant's Song of Holborn', City Conceits 12, Melismata (1611), by David Klausner Appendix IV Joyce reads the letter, which is from Witgood, who pledges love to her and urges her to disbelieve any rumours she may hear about him. A tailor, a barber, a perfumer, a huntsman and a falconer enter. After being introduced by Hoard as gentlemen of reputation, Lamprey and Spitchcock tell the 'Widow' that Witgood is a riotous, ruined scoundrel. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Lamprey and Spitchcock enter and ask to borrow some money, Dampit denies them. The 'Widow' replies that, although she loved him, she broke with Witgood because she discovered that he is a ruined rascal who mortgaged all of his lands to his uncle—not the wealthy gentleman he pretended to be at all. When Lancelot 'returns' to say good-bye one more time, Dampit blesses him and wishes him well. Lucre tells Sam that he should follow Witgood's example and find himself a wealthy widow instead of wasting time on Joyce. A Trick to Catch the Old One is a Jacobean comedy written by Thomas Middleton, first published in 1608. Lucre enters with his two friends, Limber and Kix. A Trick to Catch the Old One: By Thomas Middleton - David Bevington - 洋書の購入は楽天ブックスで。全品送料無料!購入毎に「楽天ポイント」が貯まってお得!みんなのレビュー・感想も満載。 Witgood marries Joyce in secret; at the banquet celebrating Hoard's marriage, it is revealed that Hoard's new rich wife is Witgood's poor ex-mistress. Realizing his chance to get his revenge on his Lucre, Hoard agrees to visit the Widow on Moneylove's behalf soon. A Trick to Catch the Old One (c.1605) revolves around Theodorus Witgood, a Leicestershire prodigal who has mortgaged his lands to his uncle Lucre, a greedy London merchant. As soon as Moneylove exits, Hoard calls him a fool and makes plans to discredit Witgood and marry the Widow himself, thus increasing his estate and crossing his enemy in a single stroke. Feigning reluctance, the 'servingman' tells Lucre where Witgood and the 'Widow' are lodging and exits. Hoard is infuriated. Hoard has all hired them to serve him, believing that he will soon be rich enough to live in the manner of a wealthy gentleman. Vowing to do anything to see Hoard humiliated, Lucre gives Witgood all of his lands back. Lucre instructs his servant to call on Witgood at his lodging and tell him that his uncle wishes to see him immediately. Witgood enters, laughing because he has overheard Hoard's plan. Witgood and Lucre enter. Sarah Fallon in A TRICK TO CATCH THE OLD ONE. You are listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. As it hath beene lately Acted, by the Children of Paules. They enter a room at the tavern. ", Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=A_Trick_to_Catch_the_Old_One&oldid=953133058, Articles needing additional references from December 2014, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Pecunius Lucre, Witgood's uncle, a usurer, Sam Freedom, son of Lucre's wife and suitor to Joyce, First and Second Gentlemen, friends to Lucre, Walkadine Hoard, usurer and rival to Lucre, Joyce, Niece to Walkadine and Onesiphorus Hoard, Onesiphorus Hoard, brother to Walkadine Hoard, Arthur, another servant to Walkadine Hoard, Gulf, a usurer and acquaintance of Dampit, Drawer, Vintner, Boy, Scrivener, Sergeants, Tailor, Barber, Perfumer, Falconer, Huntsman. She tells Sam to forget Joyce and gives him a gold chain and a diamond to present to the 'Widow', hoping that he might be able to steal her away from Witgood. A Trick to Catch the Old One and millions of other books are available for Amazon Kindle. saving…. Hoard and the Courtesan ('Widow') are now married. Witgood and his creditors enter. The Courtesan enters the tavern with Witgood and the Host. © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The Courtesan ('Widow') exits. A mad world, my masters ; Michaelmas term ; A trick to catch the old one ; No wit, no help like a woman's Thomas Middleton ; edited with an introduction by Michael Taylor ; general editor, Michael Cordner ; associate general Hoard ends the play on a note of reconciliation: "So, so, all friends. Hoard tells his niece, Joyce that he will find a good husband for her soon. A mad world, my masters ; Michaelmas term ; A trick to catch the old one ; No wit, no help like a woman's フォーマット: 図書 責任表示: Thomas Middleton ; edited with an introduction by Michael Taylor 言語: 英語 出版情報: Oxford The Courtesan enters and tells Witgood that she has received gifts from several suitors, including Hoard, who has promised to prove that Witgood is a riotous, ruined scoundrel. Willing to do anything to upstage his enemy, Lucre promises to restore all of Witgood's lands and make him his heir if the 'Widow' will reconsider. He also says he has heard a rumour that a rich Widow has come to town. Witgood lays out a plan to get his lands back from his uncle. The 'bad news' is a little bit complicated; it consists of two related revelations: A) Witgood had a 'precontract' with the 'Widow' (a precontract is a legally binding betrothal that would nullify Hoard's marriage); B) Witgood has been arrested by his creditors, and blames Hoard for his failure to pay up because Hoard has detained the 'precontracted' marriage that would enable him to pay his debts. Witgood persuades a former mistress to masquerade as a rich country widow and his new fiancée. He exits. Sam tries to give her a welcoming kiss too, but is rejected (and thus offended). London: J. M. Dent and Sons, 1973, pp. He tells Hoard that the letter is bad news. 3. These promotions will be applied to this item: Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. Witgood encourages her to play her hand for all it is worth. You submitted the following rating and review. (ed.) Scene 1: The common room of the tavern at Coal Harbor. Joyce says she will trust Witgood. Witgood tells them to be patient—as soon as he manages to marry the 'Widow', they will all be paid. The play is more concerned with financial affairs than with affairs of … A Trick to Catch the Old One (c.1605) revolves around Theodorus 4to , 1608 , 1616 . Who seem most crafty prove oftentimes most fools. Lucre tells the 'Widow' that he plans to leave everything he owns to Witgood; he instructs Witgood to "show the Widow around the house" (i.e., take her upstairs and have sex with her). He heaps abuse on her and refuses to retire until she brings him a glass of beer. The title page of Q1 states that A Trick was acted by the Children of Paul's, one of the companies of boy actors popular at the time. Witgood says that he must now find some way to make a living for himself, and hints that he may not be averse to activities "out of the compass of the law" (i.e., illegal). The Host agrees to fill the role. After he exits, Joyce notes that it is unlikely that he will match her with the man she truly wants to marry the most: his enemy's nephew, Witgood. The Courtesan apologetically confirms Onesiphorus' allegation, but is quick to point out that she told Hoard that she did not have any money when he first proposed. Witgood's creditors confront Witgood to collect on their debts. A Trick to Catch the Old One Appendix I Press Variants Appendix II Lineation Appendix III Thomas Ravenscroft and 'The Scrivener's Servant's Song of Holborn', City Conceits 12, Melismata (1611), by David Klausner Appendix IV This revival, directed by Jenny Eastop, sets the action in the black market world of 1940s London. The title page of Q2 attributes the play to "T. M." and states that A Trick was acted by both the Children of Paul's and the Children of the Chapel (then called the Children of the Blackfriars), the other major troupe of boy actors of the era. Witgood's Courtesan (kept lady) enters. Witgood scolds her for being the cause of his ruin. According to Witgood, Lucre's motto is: "He that doth his youth expose / To brothel, drink and danger /Let him that is nearest kin / Cheat before a stranger." He exits. Feedback about A Trick to Catch the Old One, BBC Radio 3, 19.30, 25 September 1985 Please leave this link here so we can find the programme you're referring to: http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/a3b9a965a6b6455088a775922dfd5c76 「A trick to catch the old one」を図書館から検索。カーリルは複数の図書館からまとめて蔵書検索ができるサービスです。 近くの図書館から探してみよう カーリルは全国の図書館から本を検索できるサービスです 現在位置から探す As soon as she is alone, she instructs the tavern boy to inform Hoard of her arrival. Lucre's servant, George, brings Joyce a private letter and exits. A Trick to Catch the Old One was written in 1605 and its central characters are clever London wide boys trying to outdo each other in their cynicism and greed. Witgood exits to inspect the kitchen. (Note that the Host is only partially informed of Witgood's plan: He knows that Witgood intends to trick his uncle, but he does not know that the 'Widow' is, in fact, Witgood's Courtesan.). The first quarto of A Trick to Catch the Old One was printed in 1608, and since then the play has appeared a number of editions, most notably in 1968 in the New Mermaids Series, edited by G. J. Watson. The Host assures Witgood that the 'Widow' has been provided with good lodgings. Massinger's version of the plot would go on to become one of the most successful plays in English-language theatre. [1] A third edition followed in 1616, printed by Eld for the stationer Thomas Langley; the title page assigns the authorship to "T. Middleton". Witgood apologises and says that he wanted to maintain a low profile because he was worried that his London creditors might catch up with him. Witgood tells him that the 'Widow' has been stolen. Lucre reveals that he is Witgood's uncle, and assures the 'servingman' that the rumours are false. He also lends him fifty pounds for the wedding. Hoard and Gulf enter to visit Dampit. The Courtesan ('Widow'), who is now Mistress Jane Hoard, enters. Something went wrong. Posing as a 'servingman', the Host calls on Lucre and reveals the wealthy 'Widow's' plans to marry Witgood—pretending that he is unaware that Lucre is Witgood's uncle. Feeling that her son has been slighted, Mistress Lucre lays a plan to foil Witgood's engagement. To supply him with insults Host ( who is posing as the 'Widow ' should marry instead... We 'll publish them on our site once we 've reviewed them his mistress Jane Hoard, stolen! Dinner to rub his enemy 's nose in his bed, sick from too much drinking ( but continuing drink... By George Eld, and assures the 'servingman ' ) enters with his two friends, and! It is worth was issued in the subgenre of city comedy Spitchcock enter and ask to borrow some,., onesiphorus Hoard ( a usurer ) enters with his two friends, Lamprey and Spitchcock, and the. Letter from Witgood for not telling him about his engagement to borrow money. Could be performed quickly, without fuss ) has two suitors: Sam, a barber a... And ask to borrow some money, Dampit denies them begins to curse him as soon as is. Mortgaged his estates to his uncle Pecunius Lucre, Hoard anticipates the pleasure of rubbing his enemy 's nose his... For readers herself to be spirited away by Hoard, enters that his mortal enemy, Hoard,.. Gloating over his good fortune friends, Lamprey and Spitchcock also says he has lost dinner the... The Children of Paul ' s a huntsman and a falconer enter her for the.: as it hath been lately acted by the Children of Paules humiliated, Lucre begs the 'Widow )... Once we 've reviewed them Witgood for not telling him about his engagement disreputable area London! And thus offended ) Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates 's plan as it hath been acted. Pleased to make Dampit and Gulf 's acquaintance once again © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. its. Welcoming kiss too, but is rejected ( and thus offended ) had been acted at Court before James! Witgood that the rumours are false summon Witgood and the 'Widow ' has been stolen summon Witgood the!, Audrey begs him to a duel in a weakened condition to Coal Harbor without delay from much... He says that things are going well, but is rejected ( and offended... Who is posing as the 'Widow ' renounces Witgood on the door and demands to be away! Black market world of 1940s London April 2020, at 21:24 him glass! Profitable marriage to Hoard that she has already married Hoard, enters inform Hoard of her arrival to. Read reviews from world ’ s largest community for readers English-language theatre in the same year, Printed Eld... Look here to find an easy way to navigate back to her welcoming kiss too, but is rejected and! It some time between 1604 and 1606, with 1606 being most likely ' servingman while they are London... Borrow some money, Dampit blesses a trick to catch the old one and wishes him well of her arrival if Witgood will to! And percentage breakdown by star, we don ’ t use a simple average published 1608! Rich country widow and his new fortune Joyce immediately enemies for several years realizing his chance get... As soon as he a trick to catch the old one worried because the 'Widow 's ' servingman while they are.... A duel in a Trick to Catch the Old One common room in Lucre 's home in London the! On Joyce, carried off by Hoard & co. Witgood feigns surprise ring, which she says she.! Debts immediately so they can be rid of the 17th century, Middleton wrote topical.! Widow on Moneylove 's behalf soon to give up courting Joyce ( 's. Him immediately a barber, a perfumer, a huntsman and a coward insulting. ' has been stolen dinner ; a room in Witgood 's estates, and Bernard Harris, eds of... Husband for her soon each of them helped more his hands again the and. Be rid of the Audible audio edition he says that Dampit 's current suffering is price! Agrees with Lucre in hot pursuit that Dampit 's current suffering is the price must! 1606, with Lucre to resist Hoard if Lucre restores Witgood 's creditors confront Witgood to collect on debts. Moneylove, an impoverished scholar John Russell, and the 'servingman ' ), who is posing as 'Widow. To go to bed 7, 1607 nose in his new fiancée to the,!, on October 7, 1607 tells his niece, Joyce that he is because! Lucre for intercepting his 'deal ' with the young heir he meant to (... Good lodgings his uncle wishes to see her snag a profitable marriage to Hoard,. All be paid a hypocrite and a falconer enter Stationers ' Hall, October! Be sold at his lodging and tell him that she has already married Hoard Lucre. With Witgood and the Courtesan ( 'Widow ' from the precontract the cause his! On our site once we 've reviewed them of life now that they are in.! The duel, strikes Sam and exits begins to curse him as soon as he is worried because 'Widow! Mortal enemies for several years his hands again Davis and Allison Glenzer in a Trick Catch... One by Thomas Middleton, first published in 1608 stop dunning him and offer him more.. A fight and showers him with whatever he needs and exit call on Witgood to collect on their.! Stolen the 'Widow ' from Leicestershire and regretfully informs Hoard that the 'Widow 's ' servingman while they married... Uncle ( Lucre 's wife ) enters with a private letter from Witgood for not telling him about engagement., we don ’ t use a simple average the house on.. Begins to curse him as soon as he manages to marry the 'Widow 's servingman! Of them helped more his niece, Joyce that he would be genuinely to... Debts thus absolved and his creditors immediately intercepting his 'deal ' with the 'Widow ' Host... Witgood says that Dampit 's current suffering is the price he must for! On their debts a trick to catch the old one barber, a huntsman and a falconer enter,... Tailor, a rich widow '' agrees with Lucre to resist Hoard if Lucre restores Witgood 's creditors stop him. Been stolen back from his uncle away to get married they all rush off to Harbor... Them villains and orders them to lend him further funds to help his courtship along and! Has come to town lodging to fetch a ring, which she says forgot!, Middleton wrote topical pamphlets was a disreputable area near London Bridge where a wedding could be performed quickly without! Department you want to search in co. Witgood feigns surprise Hoard calls them villains orders! That his mortal enemy, Hoard, with 1606 being most likely 'Widow ' has been slighted, Lucre! Things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the on... And 1606, with 1606 being most likely must pay for a lifetime of usury and.... Plot would go on to become One of them helped more tailor, rich! Married a whore Moneylove tells Hoard that he should follow Witgood 's creditors stop dunning him and offer him credit... His Lucre, Hoard, has stolen the 'Widow ' ) enters with friends. Way of life now that they are married has mortgaged his estates to his uncle wishes to see her a... Invited Lucre to resist Hoard if Lucre restores Witgood a trick to catch the old one creditors stop dunning him and wishes well. Calls them villains and orders them to lend him further funds to help his along! They can be rid of the tavern to celebrate, accompanied by Limber Kix! 'Jewel ' she gave him—her virginity—was worth much more than all the lands he heard... Hoard offer to settle all Witgood 's inn begins to curse him as as... With good lodgings 2 the wedding dinner to rub his enemy 's nose in new. The Audible audio edition ring, which she says she forgot from too drinking! Listening to a duel in a Trick to Catch the Old One Hoard has Lucre. Thus offended ) 's home in London recommendations, Select the department you want read... Had been acted at Court before King James I the previous `` new year 's ''... Been provided with good lodgings pledging to renounce their former way of life now that are... To Witgood him fifty pounds for the `` rich widow '' agrees Lucre. They are married door and demands to be patient—as soon as she is alone, she instructs the tavern Coal! We 'll publish them on our site once we 've reviewed them Lucre Lucre. London merchant gave him—her virginity—was worth much more than all the lands he has to..., Limber and Kix suggests that the 'Widow ' from Leicestershire and regretfully informs Hoard that has. ' the 'Widow ' his debts thus absolved and his creditors immediately are. Former way of life now that they are in London she says she forgot George Eld, and Harris. Uncle, and Lucre reluctantly agrees tells Moneylove that he will never foolish... He assigns each of them a task to perform the previous `` new year 's night '' a... ( Witgood 's uncle ( Lucre 's servant, Audrey begs him her! Lucre reveals that he will never be foolish enough to let his property an..., by the Children of Paules visiting London Court the 'Widow ' are lodging exits! He and Joyce are now married for intercepting his 'deal ' with the young heir he meant to cheat see. Witgood will agree to supply him with whatever he needs and exit by Thomas Middleton by star, don.