Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

The play opens with Maudlin lecturing her daughter, Moll, on her faults as a woman. Maudlin tells Moll that at her age, Maudlin was pregnant, two years before she married. Maudlin believes that Moll needs to work harder to attract the attentions of a worthy knight. Yellowhammer enters his goldsmith shop and asks his wife, Maudlin, what she is doing. Maudlin tells him that she is lecturing their daughter about her faults. Yellowhammer reminds Maudlin that she isn't one to criticize because she, too, has many faults.

Yellowhammer and Maudlin discuss the impending arrival of a knight named Sir Walter Whorehound. The Yellowhammers have arranged the marriage of Moll to Sir Walter. Sir Walter is also bringing his wealthy niece to wed their son, Tim. Maudlin and Yellowhammer are excited at the prospect of gaining a wealthy daughter-in-law who is a...