THE

CHESTER PLAYS:

A COLLECTION OF

MYSTERIES

FOUNDED UPON SCRIPTURAL SUBJECTS,

AND FORMERLY REPRESENTED BY THE TRADES OF CHESTER

AT WHITSUNTIDE.

EDITED BY

THOMAS WRIGHT, ESQ., M.A., F.S.A., &c.

LONDON:

F. SHOBERL, JUN., 51, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET,

FRINTER TO H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT.

RT. HON. LORD BRAYBROOKE, F.S.A.

RT. HON. LORD FRANCIS EGERTON, M.P.

RT. HON. THE EARL OF GLENGALL.

RT. HON. EARL HOWE.

RT. HON. LORD LEIGH.

RT. HON. THE EARL OF POWIS.

AMYOT, THOMAS, ESQ., F.R.S., TREAS. S.A.
AYRTON, WILLIAM, ESQ., F.R.S., F.S.A.
BOTFIELD, BERIAH, ESQ., M.P., F.R.S., F.S.A.
BRUCE, JOHN, ESQ., F.S.A.

CLERKE, MAJOR T. H. SHADWELL, K. H., F.R.S.
COLLIER, J. PAYNE, ESQ., F.S.A., DIRECTOR.
COOPER, C. PURTON, ESQ., Q.C., F.R.S., F.S.A.

CORNEY, BOLTON, ESQ.

CUNNINGHAM, PETER, ESQ., TREASURER.

DICKENS, CHARLES, ESQ.

DYCE, REV. ALEXANDER.

FIELD, BARRON, ESQ.

HALLAM, HENRY, ESQ., F.R.S., V.P.S.A.

HALLIWELL, J. O., ESQ., F.R.S., F.S.A.

PETTIGREW, T. J., ESQ., F.R.S. F.S.A.

PLANCHÉ, J. R., ESQ., F.S.A.

SHARPE, THE REV. LANCELOT, M.A., F.S.A.

THOMS, WILLIAM J., ESQ., F.S.A.

TOMLINS, F. GUEST, ESQ., SECRETARY.

WATSON, SIR FREDERICK BEILBY, K.C.H., F.R.S.

WRIGHT, THOMAS, ESQ., M.A., F.S.A.

225294

The Council of the Shakespeare Society desire it to be understood that they are not answerable for any opinions or observations that may appear in the Society's publications; the Editors of the several works being alone responsible for the same.

INTRODUCTION.

The Mysteries and Miracle Plays of the middle ages possess an interest not only as illustrating the history of the stage in its infancy, but as pictures of the manners and condition of our forefathers, and also as indicating the quantity and the peculiar character of the religious knowledge inculcated into the populace in Catholic times. The Chester Plays complete the publication of the different series of such productions in the English language hitherto generally known. It is perhaps desirable that the few single plays of a similar character that are found scattered in different parts should be collected together in a volume, to form a companion to the others. I think it probable also that other sets exist one, said to be the oldest yet known, was brought to light at the Strawberry Hill sale, and it is sincerely to be hoped that it will be published.

The earlier history of the stage in the middle ages is obscure, and much confusion has been created by ap