Publisher's Synopsis
The Puritan or The Widow of Watling Street is a play written by Thomas Middleton, first performed in 1607. The play is set in London during the reign of James I and follows the story of a Puritan named Zeal-of-the-Land Busy and his attempts to reform the city's morals. Busy's efforts are met with resistance from the play's titular character, the Widow of Watling Street, who is a wealthy and independent woman. The two clash over religious beliefs and social norms, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic events. The play also features a subplot involving a group of con artists who try to trick the Widow out of her money. The Puritan or The Widow of Watling Street is a satirical commentary on the religious and social tensions of the time, and remains a popular work in the canon of English Renaissance drama.MOLL Not marry? Forswear marriage? Why, all women know 'tis as honourable a thing as to lie with a man, and I, to spite my sister's vow the more, have entertained a suitor already, a fine gallant knight of the last feather. He says he will coach me too, and well appoint me, allow me money to dice withal, and many such pleasing protestations he sticks upon my lips.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
