The Story Of Arden Of Faversham.

this to the murder , while others declared that " the field he [ Arden ] hadde cruell y taken from a widow woman who had curst him most bitterly , even to his face , wishing that all the world mig ht wonder on him . " A tragedy , in which the principal incidents of the murder are portrayed , was printed in 1592 , under the' title of " Arden of Feversham . " Copies of this tragedwhich was at first attributed to the pen of Shakespeareare now

y , , extremely rare ; one may be seen , however , amongst the Dyce collection at South Kensington . In later times , George Lillo , an eminent p laywright , again took up the subject , but he leaving it imperfect , the drama was completed b y Dr . John Hoadly , and first performed on the boards of Old Drury on July 12 th , 1759 . The play still retains its' hold on popular favour . The incidents of the drama are a clever reproduction of the real facts of the

case , with the exception that Arden ' s wife is made to repent her share in the transaction before the dark deed is brought to its consummation . A second villain , by name Shakebag , is also introduced as Black Will's accomplice in the murder . In the first scene of the fifth act of the tragedy the murder is made to take place . Arden returns home at bight , intending to take part in a pleasant evening with some invited friends . Mosbywhom he has before

, suspected of improper relationship with his wife , has in a wily manner reestablished himself in his favour . Arden ' s confidence in his wife ' s faith is also restored . He enters his house on the evening upon which his enemies have doomed him to death , ancl finds his wife in great sorrow in view of the murder she is aware has been plotted , and which , though repent-ait , she is now powerless to frustrate . Arden remonstrates with his wife : —¦

I meant to dedicate this iappy night To mirth and joy , and thy returning love . [ She sighs . ] Make me not sad , Alicia . For my sake Let discontent be banish'd from your brow ; And welcome Arden ' s friends with laughing eyes . Among- the first let Mosby be enroll'd—ALICIA . Tho villain ! ARDEN NayI am too well convino'd

. , Of Mosby ' s friendship and Alicia ' s love Ever to wrong them more by weak suspicions . Alicia is unable to arouse her husband ' s suspicions against the villain Mosby , ancl shortly afterwards Mosby and Arden sit down to play a game at draughts . Mosby and his confederates have arranged that upon his makinguse of the words "Now I take you " in the game , they shall overpower ancl

murder Arden . At the given signal , when the poor deluded man is enjoying the play with his unsuspected enemy , Black Will rushes out of his hidingplace and throws a scarf over the head of Arden , intending to strangle him ; and after a struggle he is overpowered ancl thrown to the ground covered with wounds . Before he dies he expostulates with his murderers for the unmerited treatment he has received at their hands . Concluding , he says : —•

You now are your own judges ; But we shall meet again where right aud truth—Who who are these ? But I forgive you all . Thy hand , Alicia AuciA .. I'll not give it thee . AKDEN . 0 wretched woman ! have they killed thee too ?

A deadly paleness , agony , and horror On thy sad visage sit . My soul hangs on thee , And tho' departing—just departing—loves thee : Is loath to leave , unreconcil'd to thee , This useless , mangled tenement of clay . Dismiss her pleas'd , and say thou ' rt innocent . ALICIA . All hell contains not such a guilty wretch .