The plays of no other dramatist of that period match the description of the subjects of the plays given here. The "progress," mentioned by Chapman, is undoubtedly a reference to _Love's Labour's Lost_; "A marriage," _Midsummer Night's Dream_; "a plea," _The Merchant of Venice_; "A new fought combat," _Henry V._--as a reflection of the military services of Southampton and Essex in Ireland in 1599; "an affair at sea," _Twelfth Night_, _The Merchant of Venice_, etc.
In the second scene of _Histriomastix_, to Peace, the Arts, and Chrisoganus, come Mavortius and a group of his friends representing the nobility whom the academicians endeavour to win to their attendance and support. Mavortius and his followers refuse to cultivate Chrisoganus and the Arts, preferring a life of dalliance and pleasure, and to patronise plays and players instead. Other characters are introduced representing the Law, the Army, and Merchandise, who also neglect the Arts and live for pastime and sport.
The company of players patronised by Mavortius performs under the licence of Sir Oliver Owlet, and under the leadership of Posthaste, an erstwhile ballad maker, who writes plays for the company and who threatens to return to ballad making when playing proves unprofitable.
One of Mavortius' followers, Landulpho, an Italian lord, criticises the play presented by Posthaste and his fellows, and lauds the Italian drama.
A period of peace and prosperity, during which Chrisoganus and the Arts are neglected by the extravagant and pleasure-seeking lords and populace, is followed by war with an aftermath of poverty when Sir Oliver Owlet's company of players is disrupted, and the actors are compelled to "pawn their apparel for their charges."
HOST. Master Constable, ho! these players will not pay their shot.
POST. Faith, sir, war hath so pinch'd us we must pawn.
CONST. Alas, poor players! Hostess, what comes it to?
HOST. The Sharers dinners sixpence a piece. The hirelings--pence.
POST. What, sixpence an egg, and two and two an egg?
POST. Fellows, bring out the hamper. Chose somewhat out o'th stock.
What will you have this cloak to pawn? What think you its worth?
ONIN. The pox is in this age; here's a brave world fellows!