SOURCE: Introduction to Kynge Johan: A Play in Two Parts,edited by J. Payne Collier, The Camden Society, 1838, pp. vi-xiv.

In this excerpt Collier examines Bale's seminal use of historical figures and events in his plays and the bridge his works created between medieval theater and modern drama.

… The date when Kynge Johan was originally written cannot be clearly ascertained: perhaps before Bale was made an Irish prelate by Edward VI. in 1552; but this point may admit of dispute. From the conclusion, it would appear that Elizabeth was on the throne; but I apprehend that both the Epilogue (if we may so call it) and some other passages, were subsequent additions. The speech of Verity, on p. 84, in which John Leland is called upon to wake out of his slumber, was possibly one of these. It seems to have been inserted partly for the purpose of vindicating King...