author died; but imagine from circumstances, that it must have been
some time before the Restoration, and before the Year 1657, for the
Sun's Darling, written between him and Decker was published in 1657,
which Mr. Langbaine says, was after their Decease.

* * * * *

THOMAS MIDDLETON

Lived in the reign of King Charles I. he was cotemporary with Johnson,
Fletcher, Maslinger and Rowley, in whose friendship he is said to have
shared, and though he fell much short of the two former, yet being
joined with them in writing plays, he arrived at some reputation. He
joined with Fletcher and Johnson in a play called The Widow, and the
highest honour that is known of this poet, is, his being admitted to
make a triumvirate with two such great men: he joined with Massinger
and Rowley in writing the Old Law; he was likewise assisted by
Rowley in writing three plays[1]. We have not been able to find any
particulars of this man's life, further than his friendship and
connection already mentioned, owing to his obscurity, as he was never
considered as a genius, concerning which the world thought themselves
interested to preserve any particulars.

His dramatic works are,

1. The Five Gallants, acted at the Black Fryars.

2. Blur, Mr. Constable, or the Spaniard's Night Walk, a Comedy, acted
by the Children of St. Paul's School, 1602.

3. The Phaenix, a Tragedy, acted by the Children of St. Paul's, and
also before his Majesty, 1607; the story is taken from a Spanish
Novel, called the Force of Love.

4. The Family of Love, a Comedy, acted by the children of his
Majesty's Revels, 1608.

5. The Roaring Girl, or Moll Cutpurse, acted by the Prince's Players,
1611; part of this play was writ by Mr. Decker.

6. A Trick to catch the Old One, a Comedy, acted both at St. Paul's
and Black Fryars before their Majesties, with success, 1616.

7. The Triumphs of Love and Antiquity, a Masque, performed at the
Confirmation of Sir William Cokain, General of his Majesty's Forces,
and Lord Mayor of the city of London, 1619.

8. The Chaste Maid of Cheapside, a pleasant Comedy, acted by the Lady
Elizabeth's servants, 1620.

9. The World toss'd at Tennis, a Masque, presented by the Prince's
servants, 1620.

10. The Fair Quarrel, a Comedy, acted in the year 1622, Mr. Rowley
assisted in the composing this Play.

11. The Inner Temple Masque, a Masque of Heroes, represented by the
Gentlemen of the Inner-Temple, 164