HIS celebrated Comedy was first brought out at the Globe Theatre in 1605, and printed in quarto, 1607, after having been acted with great applause at both Universities. Jonson republished it in 1616, without alterations or additions, and with the former appropriate motto, from Horace,

Simul et jucunda, et idonea dicere vitæ.

The actors were the same as in Sejanus, with the exception, perhaps, of Shakespeare, whose name does not appear in the list. Lowin played Volpone, which was one of his favourite characters; and Cooke, who is supposed to have performed Livia in the preceding drama, probably took the part of Lady Would-be.

The Fox continued on the stage till the final dispersion of the players, and was one of the first pieces revived at the Restoration; when, as old Downes says, "it proved very satisfactory to the town." Langbaine tells us that it was "in vogue" in his time; as, indeed, it was for a century afterwards.

Its last appearance, I believe, was at the Haymarket, some time before the death of the elder Colman, who made some trifling alterations in the disposition of the scenes. That it was not successful cannot be wondered at; the age of dramatic imbecility was rapidly advancing upon us, and the stage already looked to jointed-dolls, water-spaniels, and peacocks'-tails, for its main credit and support.

ΤΟ THE

MOST NOBLE AND MOST EQUAL SISTERS,

THE TWO FAMOUS UNIVERSITIES,

FOR THEIR

LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE SHOWN TO THIS POEM

IN THE PRESENTATION;

BEN JONSON,

THE GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGER,

DEDICATES BOTH IT AND HIMSELF.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

VOLPONE, a Magnifico.

MOSCA, his Parasite.

VOLTORE, an Advocate.

CORBACCIO, an old Gentleman.

CORVINO, a Merchant.

BONARIO, Son to Corbaccio.

SIR POLITICK WOULD-BE, a Knight.
PEREGRINE, a Gentleman Traveller.

NANO, a Dwarf.

CASTRONE, an Eunuch.

ANDROGYNO, an Hermaphrodite.

Grege (or Mob).

Commandadori, Officers of Justice.

Mercatori, three Merchants.

Avocatori, four Magistrates.

Notario, the Register.

LADY-WOULD-BE, Sir Politick's Wife.

CELIA, Corvino's Wife.

Servitori, Servants, two Waiting-women, &c

The SCENE.--Venice.

VOLPONE; OR, THE FOX.

THE ARGUMENT.

OLPONE, childless, rich, feigns sick, despairs,

Offers his state to hopes of several heirs,

Lies languishing: his parasite re

ceives

Presents of all, assures, deludes;

then weaves

Other cross plots, which ope themselves, are told.

New tricks for safety are sought; they thrive: when

bold,

E ach tempts the other again, and all are sold.