Early Modern Drama · Character Archetypes

BRITAIN

in Chester's Triumph (St George's Day Entertainment) — Amory, Robert; Davies, Richard

Metadata

PlayChester's Triumph (St George's Day Entertainment)
AuthorAmory, Robert; Davies, Richard
Year (catalogued)1610
First performance1610
Decade1610s
GenreCivic Pageant
Play typeOccasional
Theaterbefore the Court;
Speech prefix(es)BRITAINE.
Words162
Characters989
Typicality0.42 (cosine to cluster centroid)
TCP idA18589
BritDrama no.1611
ClusterCluster 2 — Allegory, Nature & pageant voices

Important excerpts

No keyword-matching excerpt could be extracted (the cluster label doesn't share vocabulary with this character's speech).

Full speech

ILlustrious Britain, stately Seat of Kings, Whose boundless glories inequivalent, Do so reflect on Fame's oriental wings. That over the world they spread their blandishment. Whose influence (passed compass of conceit) Endarts such Sunbeam to obscurer places, That all the world by that resplendant light, Derives from her their most peculiar graces. Whose royal, clement, chased, and bounteous King, (King; Oh too base a style for his great worth) Such radiant luster to the Earth does bring, That Like the Sun it cheers the total North. Then yield him honour Kings that glorious be; Veil to this (next the highest) great King of Kings: Who by his virtues graceth your degree, And to the same immortal glory brings. Great Britain's Greatness (wonder of the North: Admired of All whom virtues height admires) We do ascribe unto thy Matchless worth, Surmounting praise, to mount thy virtues higher. And while me (Britain) Neptune shall embrace, I'll ruin those, that spite thee, or thy Raze.

Plot summary

Plot — Chester's Triumph (St George's Day Entertainment)
St George’s colours are hung out by an acrobat. Two savages are terrorized by a dragon, which is later killed. Fame has brought various worthies from Elysium in honour of the day. She invokes Mercury, who descends with a message from the gods: the Mayor’s virtues have won him their favour, as a mark of which Mercury presents him with a gift. Chester announces a sports competition modelled on the Olympic Games. Britain, Cambria, and Rumour deliver orations in praise of the King, the Prince, and St George, and gilt bells are presented to the Mayor. Peace and Plenty proclaim a new golden age, but Envy mounts the stage and tries to disrupt the proceedings, criticizing the actors” performances. Love banishes her to hell and, with Joy, presides over the rest of the day’s festivities. After the sports, Fame, Britain, Cambria, and Rumour present wreaths to the winners, and Chester invites the important guests to a meal.