Sir Gyles Goosecappe is the work of one who had chosen the “fallentis semita vitae”; who was more at home in Academic cloisters than in the crowded highways of the world.  None of the characters bears any impression of having been drawn from actual life.  The plot is of the thinnest possible texture; but the fire of verbal quibbles is kept up with lively ingenuity, and plenty of merriment may be drawn from the humours of the affectate traveller and the foolish knight by all who are not

                                “of such vinegar aspect
    That they’ll not show their teeth in way of smile,
    Though Nestor swear the jest be laughable.”

The romantic friendship between the noble Lord Monford and the thoughtful Clarence is a pleasing study, planned and executed with a grave, sweet sincerity.  It is not improbable that Clarence was the prototype of Charles in Fletcher’s Elder Brother.  The finest passage in the present play, where Clarence’s modesty and Monford’s nobility are portrayed in language of touching charm, was selected by Charles Lamb (whose judgment was never at fault) for quotation in the “Extracts from the Garrick Plays.”

A second edition of Sir Gyles Goosecappe was issued, after the author’s death, in 1636; and the following dedication was appended by Hugh Perry, the publisher:—­

To the Worshipfull RICHARD YOUNG of Woolleyfarme in the County of Berks, Esquire.

WORTHY SIR,

The many favours, and courtesies, that I have Received from you, and your much Honor’d Father, have put such an obligation upon me, as I have bin long cogitateing how to expresse myselfe by the requitall of some part of them; Now this Play having diverse yeeres since beene thrust into the world to seeke its owne entertainment, without so much as an epistle, or under the Shelter of any generous spirit, is now almost become worne out of memory:  and comming to be press’d to the publique view againe, it having none to speake for it (the Author_ being dead) I am bold to recommend the same to your Worships protection, I know your studies are more propense to more serious subjects, yet vouchsafe, I beseech you, to recreate your selfe with this at some vacant time when your leasure will permit you to peruse it, and daigne mee to bee_,

Your Worships bounden Servant,

HVGH PERRY.

SIR GYLES GOOSECAPPE, Knight,

A Comedy presented by the Chil. of the Chappell.

AT LONDON:  Printed by Iohn Windet, for Edward Blunt. 1606.

Eugenia, A widowe and a Noble Ladie.
Hippolyta,  |
Penelope,   |  Ladie-virgines, and Companions to Eugenia.
Wynnifred, gentlewoman to Eugenia.
Monford, A Noble Man, uncle to Eugenia.
Clarence, Gentleman, friend to Monf.
Fowlweather, A french affected Travayler, and a Captaine.
Sir Gyles Goosecap, a foolish Knight.