Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: The Tale of Gamelyn
  • Editor: David Bevington

  • Copyright David Bevington. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: Anonymous
    Editor: David Bevington
    Peer Reviewed

    The Tale of Gamelyn

    Introduction

    0.1

    [In Fitt (Canto) 1, a wealthy knight named Sir John of Boundes (cf. Sir John of Bordeaux in Thomas Lodge's Rosalind and Sir Rowland de Boyes in AYL) dies, bequeathing his goods and lands to his three sons. The eldest, John (cf. Saladin in Lodge and Oliver in AYL) beguiles the youngest, Gamelyn (cf. Lodge's Rosader and AYL's Orlando), of his birthright, reducing him to the status a wretched dependent, poorly clothed and fed. Gamelyn endures all this patiently for a time.]