EMEC – Early Modern English Choruses (1561-1625)

Year

Performance

Year

Printing

Tragedy

Author

Printer

Formal Choruses Chorus / Presenter / Prologue

Choral odes

Metric base: Chorus

Metric base: Characters

Prologues and Epilogues

Dumb
shows

ca 1554, MS

The tragedie of Euripides called Iphigeneia translated out of Greake into Englisshe

Lady Lumley

F. Chorus: a company of women

No ode.

Prose

Prose

1561:
Inner Temple [It formed part of the Christmas Festivities of the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple in 1561, and was acted by them on January 18th before the Queen at Whitehall]*

1565:
piratical edition

The tragedie of Gorboduc, whereof three actes were wrytten by Thomas Nortone, and the two laste by Thomas Sackuyle. Sett forthe as the same was shewed before the Quenes most excellent Maiestie, in her highnes court of Whitehall, the. xviij. day of Ianuary, anno Domini. 1561. By the Gentlemen of thynner Temple in London

Thomas
Norton, Thomas Sackville

Imprynted at London: in Fletestrete, at the signe of the Faucon by William
Griffith: and are to be sold at his shop in Saincte Dunstones
Churchyarde in the west of London, Anno. 1565. Septemb. 22.

F. Chorus: Four ancient and Sage men of Britain

4, (at the end of each act)

1°, 2°, 4° six-line stanzas of iambic pentameters (ababcc) (4°: 2^nd
stanza: 10 lines: ababcdcdee)

3° 22 lines of iambic pentameters, alternate rhyme + 1 final couplet

Blank
verse

5,
at the beginning of each act

1561: Inner Temple

1571:
authorised edition

The tragidie of Ferrex and Porrex set forth without any addition or alteration but altogether as the same was shewed on stage before the Queenes Maiestie, about nine yeares past, vz. the xviij. day of Ianuarie. 1561. by the gentlemen of the Inner Temple. Seene and allowed..

Thomas
Norton, Thomas Sackville

Imprinted at London: By Iohn Daye, dwelling ouer Aldersgate, [1570]

F. Chorus: Four ancient and Sage men of Britain

4, (at the end of each act)

1°, 2°, 4° six-line stanzas of iambic pentameters (ababcc) (4°: 2^nd
stanza: 10 lines: ababcdcdee)

3° 22 lines of iambic pentameters, alternate rhyme + 1 final couplet

Blank verse

5, at the beginning of each act

1566: Gray’s Inn

1566/8: MS

[This
‘interesting dramatic relic’ appears to date back to 1568, and was the property of Roger, second baron North, whose autograph may be seen on the title, here reproduced in facsimile; it afterwards
passed into the hands of the Earls of Guilford, then into the library of the late Thomas
Corser, and finally into the MSS. Department of the British
Museum]*

IOCASTA:
A Tragedie written in Greke by Euripides, translated and digested into Acte by George Gascoygne, and Francis Kinvvelmershe of Grayes Inne, and there by them presented. 1566.

[The reasons for the popularity of the Phoenissae and
transcripts from it are indicated by Paley in the Introduction to his edition of the Greek play (1879) “This play (the longest extant) was very popular in the later Greek schools. Its varied action, chivalrous descriptions, and double messenger’s narrative, first of the general fight between the contending armies, secondly of the duel between the brothers and the suicide of Jocasta, give a sustained interest to a piece which extends to nearly twice the length of the corresponding Aeschylean drama. Besides the above claims to our attention, the play furnishes us with a good example of the poet’s fondness for rhetorical pleading, in a legal and sophistical exposition of the rights of the rival brothers to the throne. The Phoenissae, in fact, is overloaded with action. It is like a picture in which a whole panorama is included instead of one definite object.” . . . As will readily be seen on comparing the Italian version with the Greek text or an English translation, Dolce dealt freely with his original, especially in the opening of the play and the choruses. But he kept closely to the main lines of the action as laid down by Euripides and his arrangement of the episodes.]*

George
Gascoigne and Francis Kinwelmersh

F. Chorus: foure Thebane dames [always on stage]

5, (at the end of each act)

Iambic
pentameters, alternate rhyme + couplets

1°, 2°, 4°: seven-line stanzas (rime royale: ababbcc)

3°: eleven-line stanzas (ababbcc ddee)

5° English sonnet (abab cdcd efef dd)

Blank
verse

Epilogue

5,
at the beginning of each act (+ music)

1566:
Gray’s Inn

1573

IOCASTA: A Tragedie written in Greke by Euripides, translated and digested into Acte by George Gascoygne, and Francis Kinvvelmershe of Grayes Inne, and there by them presented. 1566.

In: A hundreth sundrie flowres bounde vp in one small poesie Gathered partely (by translation) in the fyne outlandish gardins of Euripides, Ouid, Petrarke, Ariosto, and others: and partly by inuention, out of our owne fruitefull orchardes in Englande
. . .

George
Gascoigne and Francis Kinwelmersh

At London: Imprinted [by Henrie Bynneman [and Henry Middleton]] for
Richarde Smith.

F. Chorus: foure Thebane dames [always on stage]

5, (at the end of each act)

Iambic
pentameters, alternate rhyme + couplets

1°, 2°, 4°: seven-line stanzas (rime royale: ababbcc)

3°: eleven-line stanzas (ababbcc ddee)

5° English sonnet (abab cdcd efef dd)

Blank
verse

Epilogue

5,
at the beginning of each act (+ music)

1566:
Gray’s Inn

1575

IOCASTA: A Tragedie written in Greke by Euripides, translated and digested into Acte by George Gascoygne, and Francis Kinvvelmershe of Grayes Inne, and there by them presented. 1566.

In: The poesies of George Gascoigne Esquire.

George
Gascoigne and Francis Kinwelmersh

Printed
at London: For Richard Smith, and to be solde at the northweast
doore of Paules Church, 1575

F. Chorus: foure Thebane dames [always on stage]

5. (at the end of each act)

Iambic
pentameters, alternate rhyme + couplets

1°, 2°, 4°: seven-line stanzas (rime royale: ababbcc)

3°: eleven-line stanzas (ababbcc ddee)

5° English sonnet (abab cdcd efef dd)

Blank
verse

Epilogue

5
at the beginning of each act (+ music)

1566:
Gray’s Inn

1587

IOCASTA: A Tragedie written in Greke by Euripides, translated and digested into Acte by George Gascoygne, and Francis Kinvvelmershe of Grayes Inne, and there by them presented. 1566.

In: The pleasauntest workes of George Gascoigne Esquyre newlye compyled into one volume, that is to say: his flowers, hearbes, weedes, the fruites of warre, the comedie called Supposes, the tragedie of Iocasta, the Steele glasse, the complaint of Phylomene, the storie of Ferdinando Ieronimi, and the pleasure at Kenelworth Castle.

Or: The whole woorkes of George Gascoigne Esquire:
newlye compyled into one volume, that is to say: his Flowres, hearbes, weedes, the fruites of warre, the comedie called Supposes, the tragedie of Iocasta, the Steele glasse, the complaint of Phylomene, the storie of Ferdinando Ieronimi, and the pleasure at Kenelworth Castle.

George
Gascoigne and Francis Kinwelmersh

London: imprinted by Abell Ieffes [for R. Smith], dwelling in the Fore Streéte, without Creéplegate, neere vnto Grubstreete, 1587

F. Chorus: foure Thebane dames [always on stage]

5, (at the end of each act)

Iambic
pentameters, alternate rhyme + couplets

1°, 2°, 4°: seven-line stanzas (rime royale: ababbcc)

3°: eleven-line stanzas (ababbcc ddee)

5° English sonnet   (abab
cdcd efef dd)

Blank
verse

Epilogue

5,
at the beginning of each act (+ music)

1575

The glasse of gouernement. A tragicall comedie so entituled, bycause therein are handled aswell the rewardes for vertues, as also the punishment for vices. Done by George Gascoigne Esquier. 1575. Seen and allowed, according to the order appointed in the Queenes maiesties iniunctions.

George
Gascoigne

Imprinted at London: [By Henry Middleton] for C. Barker, [1575]

F. Chorus: four Grave Burghers

4

1° rime royal (7-line stanzas, ababbcc)

2°: 26-line stanzas, iambic pentameters with alternate rhyme and 1 final couplet.

3°: 6 6-line stanzas iambic pentameters with alternate rhyme and 1 final couplet (ababcc).

4°: 34 lines (couplets in poulter’s measure: 12 + 14)

Prose

Prologue
(iambic pentameters with alternate rhyme and a final couplet)

Epilogue
(ryme royal)

1587-8

[presented
to her Majestie by the Gentlemen of Grayes Inne, at her Highnesse
Court in Greenewich, the twenty eighth day of Februarie in the thirtieth yeare of her Majesties most happy Raigne”;
it was printed in the same year (1587-8)]

1587

Certaine deu[is]es and shewes presented to her Maiestie by the gentlemen of Grayes-Inne at her Highnesse court in Greenewich, the twenty
eighth day of Februarie in the thirtieth yeare of her Maiesties most happy raigne.

[The Misfortunes of Arthur]

Thomas
Hughes

At London: Printed by Robert Robinson, 1587.

“Chorus” [+ the ghost of Gorlois + Epilogue]

4, (at the end of the first 3 acts; divided into four voices: 1, 2, 3, 4)

+ At the end of act 5, yet not separate from the rest of the act, the 4 voices speak each one in turn

1°: 4 iambic pentameters with alternate rhyme + final couplet (ababcc)

2°: 6 iambic pentameters with alternate rhyme + final couplet
(ababccdd)

3° and 4°: blank verse + final dialogue in blank verse

Blank verse

Epilogue (blank verse)

1567-68
(Presented before Queen by the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple
during the revels entertainment; two manuscripts)

Gismond of Salerne

[. . . imitated more thoroughly than later Elizabethan tragedies the form of Seneca: the five acts each divided by a chorus, the lengthy deliberative speeches, and the quick verbal exchanges]*

Henry
Noel, Christopher Hatton, Robert Wilmot, Rod. Stafford, G. Al.

F. Chorus: four Gentlemen of Salerno

4, (at the end of each act)

Iambic
pentameters, alternate rhyme

Iambic
pentameters, alternate rhyme

Cupid
[as Prologue]

Epilogus

1567-68
(Presented before Queen by the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple
during the revels entertainment)

1591

The Tragedy of Tancred and Gismund compiled by the gentlemen of the Inner Tempe and by them presented before her Majestie. Newly revived and polished according to the decorum of these daies.

Richard
Wilmot

London: Printed by Thomas Scarlet, and are to be solde by R. Robinson,
1591

F. Chorus: four maids attending Gismunda

4 (divided
into four voices: ch. 1, 2, 3, 4)

Iambic
pentameters, alternate rhyme

[the
different voices are alternatively printed in Roman and italcs]

Blank
verse

Epilogus

Extensive
use of music and songs

1567-68
(Presented before Queen by the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple
during the revels entertainment)

1592

The Tragedy of Tancred and Gismund compiled by the gentlemen of the Inner Tempe and by them presented before her Majestie. Newly revived and polished according to the decorum of these daies.

Richard
Wilmot

London: Printed by Thomas Scarlet, and are to be solde by R. Robinson, 1591

=
1591

4

1591

The Countesse of Pembrokes Yuychurch Conteining the affectionate life, and vnfortunate death of Phillis and Amyntas: that in a pastorall; this in a funerall; both in English hexameters. By Abraham Fraunce.

Abraham
Fraunce

Watson,
Thomas, 1557?-1592.; Tasso, Torquato,
1544 1595.; Virgil.; Heliodorus, of Emesa.

F. Chorus of all Sheperds

Fourteeners

Fourteeners

Prologue
by Cupid in a Shepear’s cloack

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1592

The Spanish tragedie containing the lamentable end of Don Horatio, and Bel-imperia: with the pittifull death of olde Hieronimo.

Thomas
Kyd

At
London: Printed by Edward Allde, for Edward White

Ghost of Andrea and Revenge as “Chorus”

5, (at the end of each act)

Dialogues
in blank verse

5°:
blank verse + final couplet

Blank
verse

1
during 4° chorus

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1599

The Spanish tragedie containing the lamentable ende of Don Horatio, and Bel-imperia: with the pittifull death of old Hieronimo.

Thomas
Kyd

At London: Printed by William White dwelling in Cow-lane, 1599

= 1592

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1602

The Spanish tragedie containing the lamentable end of Don Horatio, and Bel-imperia: with the pittifull death of olde Hieronimo.

Thomas
Kyd

Imprinted
at London: By W. W[hite] for T. Pauier, and are to be solde at the
signe of the Catte and Parrats neare the Exchange, 1602

= 1592

5, (at the end of each act)

Dialogues
in blank verse

5°:
blank verse + final couplet

Blank
verse

1
during 4° chorus

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1603

[the Spanish tragedy]

Thomas
Kyd

[London]:
Imprinted by W. W[hite] for T. Pauier, 1603]

= 1592

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1611

The Spanish tragedie containing the lamentable end of Don Horatio, and Bel-imperia: with the pittifull death of old Hieronimo.

Thomas
Kyd

Imprinted
at London: By W. White [for Thomas Pavier], 1610 [i.e. 1611]

= 1592

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1615

The Spanish tragedie: or, Hieronimo is mad againe Containing the lamentable end of Don Horatio, and Belimperia; with the pittifull death of Hieronimo.

Thomas
Kyd

London:
Printed by W. White, for I. White and T. Langley, and are to be
sold at their shop ouer against the Sarazens Head without
New-gate, 1615

= 1592

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1618

The Spanish tragedie: or, Hieronimo is mad againe containing the lamentable end of Don Horatio, and Belimperia; with the pittifull death of Hieronimo.

Thomas
Kyd

London:
Printed by Iohn White, for T Langley, and are to be sould at his
shop ouer against the Sarazens Head without New-gate, 1618

= 1592

1592-1597;
1601-1602

1623

The Spanish tragedie: or, Hieronimo is mad againe Containing the lamentable end of Don Horatio, and Belimperia; with the pittifull death of Hieronimo.

Thomas
Kyd

London:
Printed by W. White, for I. White and T. Langley, and are to be
sold at their shop ouer against the Sarazens Head without
New-gate, 1615.

= 1592

1592

A discourse of life and death. Written in French by Ph.
Mornay. Antonius, a tragœdie written also in French by Ro. Garnier. Both done in English by the Countesse of Pembroke (trans. Robert Garnier’s Marc-Antoine
1578)

Mary
Sidney, Countess of Pembroke

At
London: Printed [by John Windet] for William Ponsonby, 1592.

2 F. Choruses: Egiptians and the last one of Roman soldiers

5, (at the end of each act)

1°:
stanzas of 8 iambictrimeters (abcdedcb)

2°:
stanzas of 6 iambic trimeters (ababcc)

3°:
stanzas of 11 iambic trimeters (abab cddc ede)

4°:
stanzas of sextets of 2 iambic tetrameters + 1 trimeter (aabccb
ddeffe)

5°
(of Roman soldiers): octaves of couplets of iambic trimeters

Blank
verse

1595

The tragedie of Antonie. Doone into English by the Countesse of Pembroke (trans. Robert Garnier’s Marc-Antoine 1578)

Mary
Sidney, Countess of Pembroke

Imprinted at London : [By P. Short] for William Ponsonby, 1595.

= 1592

1594

The Warres Of Cyrus King Of Persia, Against Antiochus King Of Assyria, With the Tragicall Ende Of Panthæa

Anonymous
(Richard Farrant)

London:
Printed by E. A. for William Blackwal

Mention of a singing Chorus, now lost.

(“For what they do
Instead of mournefull plaints our Chorus sings,”

Blank
verse

1594

The Tragedy of Cleopatra

In: Delia and Rosamond augmented Cleopatra by Samuel Daniel.

Samuel
Daniel

1594.
Printed at London: [By James Roberts and Edward Allde] for Simon
Waterson, and are to be sold in Paules Church-yarde at the signe
of the Crowne

F. Chorus: all Egyptians

5,
at the end of each act

1°:
11 iambic trimeters (English quintain) + 1 iambic exameter (ababb
cdbcd ee) (ababb cdbcd ee) (ababb cdbcd ee) (ababb cdbcd ee)
(ababb cdbcd ee)

2°:
iambic pentameters (= sonnet):

abbaa
cddcc ee ff (= Spanish quintain or quintilla, albeit in trimeters:

abba
acdd cc ee ff )

3°:
23 tetrameters with variable rhyme and final couplet

4°:
sonnet of iambic tetrameters (abab cdcd efef gg)

5°:
stanzas of 14 iambic tetrameters (abcd abcd dcba ff)

Iambic
pentameters with alternate rhymes

1595

The Tragedy of Cleopatra

In: Delia and Rosamond augmented Cleopatra by Samuel Daniel

Samuel
Daniel

At
London : Printed [By James Roberts] for S. Waterson, dwelling in
Paules Church-yard, at the signe of the Crowne, 1595

F. Chorus: all Egyptians

5,
at the end of each act

=
1594

1598

The Tragedy of Cleopatra

In: Delia and Rosamond augmented Cleopatra by Samuel Daniel

Samuel
Daniel

[At
London: Printed by Peter Short, for Simon Waterson, 1598]

F. Chorus: all Egyptians

5,
at the end of each act

=
1594

1599

The Tragedy of Cleopatra

In: The poeticall essayes of Sam. Danyel

Samuel
Daniel

London:
Printed by P. Short for Simon Waterson, 1599.

F. Chorus: all Egyptians

5,
at the end of each act

=
1594

1605

The tragedy of Cleopatra

In: Certaine small poems lately printed with the tragedie of Philotas. Written by Samuel Daniel.

Samuel
Daniel

At
London: Printed by G. Eld for Simon Waterson [and Edward Blount],
1605

F. Chorus: all Egyptians

5,
at the end of each act

=
1594

1607

The Tragedy of Cleopatra

In: Certain Small Works heretofore divulged by Samuel Daniel one of the grooms of the Queen’s majesty’s privy chamber, and now again by him corrected and augmented.

At
London. Printed by I.W. for Simon Waterson, 1607

5,
at the end of each act

1°,
4° and 5° = 1594;

2°
in place of 3°, and 3° in place of 2° in 1594:

2°:
23 tetrameters with variable rhyme and final couplet

3°:
iambic pentameters (= sonnet):

abbaa
cddcc ee ff (= Spanish quintain or quintilla, albeit in trimeters:

abba
acdd cc ee ff )

1594

Cornelia

Thomas
Kyd

London:
Printed by Iames Roberts, for N[icholas] L[ing] and Iohn Busbie,

F. Chorus [of Roman women] +
F. Chorus of Caesar’s friends (at the end of act 4)

4,
at the end of the first 4 acts [+ 1 interspersed in act 4]

1°:
seven-line stanzas rhyming ababccb

2°:
iambic tetrameters with alternate rhyme

3°:
poulter’s measure (couplets where an Alexandrine rhymes with a
fourteener)

[Additional
Chorus in act 4: sextets of tetrameters rhyming aabcdc]

4°
[Caesar’s friends]: 4-line stanzas of trochaic tetrameters

Blank
verse

1595

Pompey the Great, his faire Cornelias tragedie effected
by her father and husbandes downe-cast, death, and fortune. Written in French, by that excellent poet Ro: Garnier; and translated into English by Thomas Kid.

Thomas
Kyd

At
London: Printed [by James Roberts] for Nicholas Ling, 1595.

= 1594

1595

The lamentable tragedie of Locrine, the eldest sonne of King Brutus discoursing the warres of the Britaines, and Hunnes, with their discomfiture: the Britaines victorie with their accidents, and the death of Albanact. No lesse pleasant then profitable.
Newly set foorth, ouerseene and corrected, by VV.S.

S.W.

No formal Chorus

Blank
verse

Blank
verse

Prologue
(Ate): act 1, act 2, act 3, act 4 +
[Epilogus]

2
(act 1), 2 (act 3)

1597
Q1

An excellent conceited tragedie of Romeo and Iuliet As it hath been often (with great applause) plaid publiquely, by the right Honourable the L. of Hunsdon his Seruants.

William
Shakespeare

London:
Printed by Iohn Danter [and Edward Allde?], 1597

Chorus

1

Sonnet

Blank
verse, couplets, prose

Prologue
before act 1

1599
Q2

The most excellent and lamentable tragedie, of Romeo and Iuliet. Newly corrected, augmented, and amended: as it hath bene sundry times publiquely acted, by the right Honourable the Lord Chamberlaine his Seruants

William
Shakespeare

London
: Printed by Thomas Creede, for Cuthbert Burby, and are to be sold
at his shop neare the Exchange, 1599

Corus
before act 1 (also called prologue)

Chorus
[before act 2]

2

Sonnet

Blank
verse, couplets, prose

Prologue
before act 1 (also called Corus)

1609
Q3

The most excellent and lamentable tragedie, of Romeo and Iuliet As it hath beene sundrie times publiquely acted, by the Kings Maiesties Seruants at the Globe. Newly corrected, augmented, and amended

William
Shakespeare

London:
Printed [by John Windet] for Iohn Smethvvick, and are to be sold
at his shop in Saint Dunstanes Church-yard, in Fleetestreete vnder
the Dyall, 1609

Chorus
before act 1 (also called prologue)

Chorus
[before act 2]

2

Sonnet

Blank
verse, couplets, prose

Prologue
before act 1 (also called Chorus)

1622
Q4

The most excellent and lamentable tragedie, of Romeo and Iuliet As it hath beene sundrie times publikely acted, by the Kings Maiesties Seruants at the Globe. Written by W. Shake-speare

William
Shakespeare

London
: Printed [by William Stansby] for Iohn Smethwicke, and are to bee
sold at his shop in Saint Dunstanes Church-yard, in Fleetestreete
vnder the Dyall

Chorus
before act 1 (also called prologue)

Chorus
[before act 2]

2

Sonnet

Blank
verse, couplets, prose

Prologue
before act 1 (also called Chorus)

1623
Folio

The tragedie of Romeo and Iuliet

In: Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies. Published according to the True Originall Copies.

William
Shakespeare

London:
Printed by Isaac Iaggard, and Ed. Blount

Chorus
[before act 2]

1

Sonnet

Blank
verse, couplets, prose

1598

The Scottish historie of Iames the fourth, slaine at Flodden Entermixed with a pleasant comedie, presented by Oboram King of Fayeries: as it hath bene sundrie times publikely plaide. Written by Robert Greene, Maister of Arts.

Robert
Greene

London:
Printed by Thomas Creede, 1598.

No
list of speakers.

Chorus
(defined as such twice)

1°:
at the beginning of act 3, identified with Bohan;

2°
at the end of act 3;

identified
with Bohan;

3°
identified with Oberon and Bohan an the end act 4

1°
and 3°: dialogue in blank verse

2°:
1 6-line stanza od iambic pentameter rhyming abasccdd

1599

The love of King David and fair Bethsabe
With the tragedie of Absalon. As it hath ben diuers times plaied on the stage. Written by George Peele.

George
Peele

London:
Printed by Adam Islip, 1599.

2
Chorus

1°
at ca.570

2°,
but marked as 5. Chor, at ca 1645)

1°:
23 lines, blank verse + final couplet

2°:
14 lines, blank verse

Blank
verse

Prologus
(blank verse)

1599

The First and Second Partes Of King Edward the Fourth. Containing His Mery Pastime With the Tanner Of Tamwoorth, As Also His Loue To Fayre Mistresse Shoare, Her Great Promotion, Fall and Misery, and Lastly the Lamentable Death Of Both Her and Her
Husband. Likewise the Besiedging Of London, By the Bastarde Falconbridge, and the Valiant Defence Of the Same By the Lord Maior and the Cittizens. As It Hath Diuers Times Beene Publiquely Played By the Right Honorable the Earle Of Derby His Seruants

Thomas
Heywood

London:
Imprinted … by I. W. for Iohn Oxenbridge [etc.]

Chorus

1

Balnk
verse and final couplet

Blank
verse and prose

1600

The pleasant comedie of old Fortunatus As it was
plaied before the Queenes Maiestie this Christmas, by the Right Honourable the Earle of Nottingham, Lord high Admirall of England his seruants.

Thomas
Dekker

London:
Printed by S. S[tafford] for William Aspley, dwelling in Paules
Church-yard at the signe of the Tygers head, 1600.

Chorus
as Prologue at Court (two old men)

Chorus:
2

[+
Prologue and Epilogue serving as Chorus]

Blank
verse

Blank
verse and couplets

Prologue
at Court (presenting as Chorus)

Epilogue
at Court

1600
Q

The cronicle history of Henry the fift with his battell
fought at Agin Court in France. Togither with Auntient Pistoll. As it hath bene sundry times playd by the Right
honorable the Lord Chamberlaine his seruants.

William
Shakespeare

London
: Printed by Thomas Creede, for Tho. Millington, and Iohn Busby.
And are to be sold at his house in Carter Lane, next the Powle
head, 1600.

No
Chorus

1602

The chronicle history of Henry the fift with his battell fought at Agin Court in France. Together with Auntient Pistoll. As it hath bene sundry times playd by the Right
honorable the Lord Chamberlaine his seruants.

William
Shakespeare

London
: Printed by Thomas Creede, for Thomas Pauier, and are to be sold
at his shop in Cornhill, at the signe of the Cat and Parrets neare
the Exchange, 1602.

=
1600

1619

The chronicle history of Henry the fift with his battell fought at Agin Court in France. Together with ancient Pistoll. As it hath bene sundry times playd by the Right Honourable the Lord Chamberlaine his Seruants.

William
Shakespeare

[London]
: Printed [by William Jaggard] for T[homas] P[avier], 1608 [i.e.
1619]

=
1600

1623
Folio

The Life of Henry the Fift.

In: Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies. Published according to the True Originall Copies.

William
Shakespeare

London:
Printed by Isaac Iaggard, and Ed. Blount

List
of speakers: Rumour the Presentor in the list of speakers)

Epilogue

(no
mention of the Chorus)

Prologue:
blank verse

Beginning
of act 3: blank verse

End
of act 5: sonnet

Blank
verse, iambic pentameters with alternate rhymes, couplets, prose

Prologue
as Chorus

1601

The Downfall Of Robert, Earle Of Huntington, Afterward Called Robin Hood Of Merrie Sherwodde: With His Loue To Chaste Matilda, the Lord Fitzwaters Daughter, Afterwardes His Faire Maide Marian.
Acted By the Right Honourable, the Earle Of Notingham, Lord High Admirall Of England, His Seruants

Henry
Chettle and Anthony Munday

London:
Imprinted … for William Leake

No
actual Chorus

“Goe
in, good loue, thou as the Chorus shalt,
Expresse the meaning
of my silent griefe,
Which is no more but this;”

No
actual Prologue

“y^e Prologues
part is plaid,
Marian hath tolde yee, what I bad her tell”

“And
I, as Prologue, purpose to expresse
The ground whereon our
historie is laied.”

2

1601

The Death of Robert, Earl of Huntingdon

Henry
Chettle

London:

Imprinted … for William Leake

No
Chorus

1°
iambic pentameters and trimeters with various rhymes

2°
beginning act 3, blank verse

3°
end of act 3: blank verse

4°
end of act 4: iambic tetrameters

5°
end of act 5: couplets of tetrameters

The
Choruses occasionally dialogue with each other (Sheperds +
Hunstmen; Sheperds + Priests)

Prologue

Epilogus

1602

PASTOR FIDO,
OR The faithfull Shepheard.

Giovanbattista
Guarini

London:

Printed for Simon Waterson

Chorus
of Sheperdes, Cjorus of Huntsmen, and Chorus of Priests

Blank
verse

1602

The true
chronicle historie of the whole life and 

death of Thomas Lord Cromwell As
it hath beene sundrie times publikely acted by the right
honorable the Lord Chamberlaine his seruants. Written by
W.S.

W.S.

Imprinted
at London: [By R. Read] for William Iones, and are to be solde at
his house neere Holburne conduict, at the signe of the Gunne,
1602.

Chorus
not in the list of speakers

3

3
Addresses to the audience (blank verse)

Blank
verse, couplets

1613

The true
chronicle historie of the whole life and death 

of Thomas Lord Cromwell As
it hath beene sundry times publikely acted by the Kings
Maiesties Seruants. Written by W.S.

W.S.

London:
Printed by Thomas Snodham, 1613.

=
1602

1604

The
Magnificent Entertainment

Thomas
Dekker

Chorus

2

A
Chorus in single and full voices, singing in English and in Latin

1603

The
tragedie of Darius. By William Alexander of Menstrie

William
Alexander, Earl of Stirling

Edinburgh:
Printed by Robert Walde-graue printer to the Kings Maiestie, 1603.

Chorus
of all Persians

=
1604

1604

The
tragedie of Darius. By William Alexander of Menstrie

William
Alexander, Earl of Stirling

London:
Printed by G. Elde for Edward Blount, 1604.

Chorus
of all Persians

=
M.T. 1604

1604

The
monarchick tragedies. By William Alexander of Menstrie

William
Alexander, Earl of Stirling

Printed
at London: By V[alentine] S[immes] [and G. Elde] for Edward
Blount, 1604

The
Tragedy of Croesus: Chorus of all the Lidians

Chorus
of some countrymen

The
Tragedy of Darius: Chorus of all Persians

The
Alexandrean Tragedy: Chorus

The
Tragedy of Julius Caesar: Chorus

Croesus:
5, at the end of each act

The
Tragedy of Darius: 5, at the end of each act

The
Alexandrean Tragedy: 5, at the end of each act

The
Tragedy of Julius Caesar: 5, at the end of each act

Croesus:

1°
12-line stanzas (10 iambic tetrameters + final couplet of
pentameters)

2°:
16-line stanzas (14 iambic tetrameters + final couplet of
pentameters)

3°:
14-line stanzas (12 iambic trimeters, alternate rhyme, + final
couplet)

4°:
16-line stanzas (14 iambic tetrameters, alternate rhymes, and
couplets)

5°:
14-line stanzas (12 iambic tetrameters, various rhymes, + final
couplet)

Darius:

1°
14-line stanzas (tetrameters rhyming abaabacbdddbee)

2°
12-line stanzas of iambic pentameters rhyming abbaccbadcdd

3°
20-line stanzas (18 iambic trimeters + a couplet of pentameters:
ababb cdd ceeecffgghii)

4°
12-line stanzas of iambic pentameters: abaabbcbacdd)

5°
14-line stanzas of iambic pentameters (abbaaccadeedff)

The
Alexandrean Tragedy: Chorus

1°
alternate trimeters and tetrameters

2°
iambic tetrameters with alternate rhymes

3°
15-line stanzas of trimeters with various rhymes

4°
iambic pentameters with various rhymes

5°
iambic pentameters with various rhymes

Julius
Caesar:

1°:
alternate iambic dimeters, trimeters, tetrameters, and pentameters
with various rhymes

2°:
iambic tetrameters with various rhymes

3°
alternate iambic dimeters, tetrameters, and pentameters with
various rhymes

4°
iambic tetrameters and pentameters with various rhymes

5°
stanzas of 6 iambic pentameters rhyming ababcc

Iambic
pentameters with alternate rhymes

1607

The
monarchicke tragedies Crœsus, Darius, The Alexandræan, Iulius
Cæsar. Newly enlarged by William Alexander, Gentleman of the
Princes priuie chamber.

William
Alexander, Earl of Stirling

London:
Printed by Valentine Simmes for Ed: Blount, 1607

=
1604

1616

The
monarchicke tragedies By Sr W. Alexander Knight

William
Alexander, Earl of Stirling

London:
Printed by William Stansby, 1616.

=
1604

23
performances between 1594-1597

1604
A text

The
Tragical History of Doctor Faustus. As it hath bene
Acted by the Right Honorable the Earl of Nottingham his
servants. Written by Christopher Marlow.

Christopher
Marlowe

London:
Printed by Valentine Simmes for Thomas Bushell. 1604.

Chorus
(with the function of Prologue);

1
at the beginning of [act 4]

Chorus
as Epilogue

3

Blank
verse; the last Chorus closes on a couplet.

Blank
verse

Chorus
(with the function of Prologue)

Chorus
as Epilogue

1609
after the A text

The
tragicall history of the horrible life and death of
Doctor Faustus. Written by Ch. Marl

Imprinted
at London: By G[eorge] E[ld] for Iohn Wright and are to be sold at
Christ-church gate, 1609

=
1604

1611
after the A text

The
tragicall history of the horrible life and death of
Doctor Faustus. Written by Ch. Marl

=
1609

=
1604

1605

The
tragedie of Philotas By Sam. Daniel.

In:

Certaine
small poems lately printed with the tragedie of Philotas.
Written by Samuel Daniel.

Samuel
Daniel

At
London: Printed by G. Eld for Simon Waterson [and Edward Blount],
1605.

Chorus:
Three Grecians and a Persian

[
in 1° they present themselves as spectators]

3,
at the end of acts 1, 2 and 3

1°
iambic pentameters with alternate rhymes

2°
eight-line stanzas of iambic pentameters: abababcc

3°
iambic pentameters (alternate rhymes and couplets)

Blank
verse

1607

The
tragedie of Philotas By Sam. Daniel.

In:

Certaine
small poems lately printed with the tragedie of Philotas.
Written by Samuel Daniel.

Samuel
Daniel

London:
Printed by Melch. Bradwood for Edw. Blount, 1607.

=
1605

1606

Hymenaei:
or The solemnities of masque, and barriers magnificently performed
on the eleventh, and twelfth nights, from Christmas; at court: to
the auspicious celebrating of the marriage-vnion, betweene Robert,
Earle of Essex, and the Lady Frances, second daughter to the most
noble Earle of Suffolke. By Ben: Ionson.

Ben
Jonson

At
London: Printed by Valentine Sims for Thomas Thorp, 1606.

2
and 4 songs

1607

The
tragedie of Cæsar and Pompey or
Cæsars reuenge Priuately acted by the students of
Trinity Colledge in Oxforde.

Anonymous

At
London: Imprinted [by George Eld] for Nathaniel Fosbrooke and Iohn
Wright and are to be sold in Paules Church-yarde at the signe of
the Helmet, 1607.

Discord
(never called Chorus)

3:
end of acts 2, 3; beginning of act 5

Blank
verse

Blank
verse

Discord
(with the function of Prologue)

1607

The
Diuils charter a tragædie conteining the life and death of
Pope Alexander the sixt. As it was plaide before the Kings
Maiestie, vpon Candlemasse night last: by his Maiesties Seruants.
But more exactly reuewed, corrected, and augmented since by the
author, for the more pleasure and profit of the reader.

Barnabe
Barnes

No
Chorus.

Fracesco
Guicciardine (never mentioned as Chorus)

Prologus
and Epilogues

1607

The discription of a maske,
presented before the Kinges Maiestie at White-Hall,
on Twelfth Night last in honour of the Lord Hayes,
and his bride, daughter and heire to the Honourable the Lord
Dennye, their marriage hauing been the same day at court
solemnized. To this by occasion other small poemes are adioyned.
Inuented and set forth by Thomas Campion doctor of phisicke.

Thomas
Campion

At
London: Printed by G[eorge] E[ld] for Iohn Wright, and are to be
sold at his shop in New-gate market, neere Christ church gate,
1607.

2
Choral groups

Text,
music and song

1607

The
Trauailes the Three English Brothers

John
Day, William Rowley, George Wilkins

Ptinted
[sic] at London: [By George Eld] for Iohn Wright, and are to bee
sold at his shoppe neere Christ-Church gate, 1607.

3

1°:
17 iambic pentameters with occasional couples

2°
18 iambic pentameters with final couplet

3°
24 lines of blank verse

Blank
verse, occasional couplets and prose

Prologue
(attired like Fame)

A
show following the second chorus ode

1609

The
tragedy of Mustapha

Fulke
Greville

London:
Printed [by John Windet] for Nathaniel Butter, 1609.

Not
on the list of speakers

6,
various Choruses at the end of each act

1°
Chorus: of Basha’s or Caddies: coiuplets of iambic couplets

[+
CHORUS SACERDOTUM: iambic pentameters ababcdcd ecc. (at the end of
act 1)

CHORUS:
at the end of act 2 (only name, no text)]

2°
Chorus: of Mahometan Priests: sextets of iambic pentameters
(ababcc)

3°
Chorus: Of time, Eternitie:

sextets
of iambic pentameters (ababcc)

4°
Chorus of Converts to Mahometism (poulter’s measure)

5°
Chorus Tartarorum (end of act 3): blank verse with occasional
rhyme

6°
Chorus Sacerdotum: quatrains of iambic pentameters with alternate
rhymes, + one final couplet (ababcc)

1609

The
Late, and Much Admired Play, Called Pericles, Prince Of Tyre

William
Shakespeare

(and
George Wilkin)

At
London:
Henry Gosson

Gower
(Presenter, never mentioned as Chorus)

6
(Including Epilogues)

Couplets
of iambic tetrameters

(the
Epilogues in pentameters)

Blank
verse and prose

1
(during the third entrance of Gower)

1611

Catiline his
conspiracy· Written by Ben: Ionson

Ben
Jonson

London:
Printed [by W. Stansby?] for Walter Burre, 1611.

Chorus

4
(at the end of each act)

1°:
couplets of iambic tetrameters

2°:
iambic tetrameters (abba cddc etc.)

3°:
iambic tetrameters with alternate rhymes (abab cdcd)

4°
alternate iambic tetrameters and dimeters (ababcdcd etc.)

1611

The
Golden Age

Thomas
Heywood

London:

Printed for William Barrenger [etc.]

No
Chorus on the list of speakers (see Homer)

6

Iambic
pentameters with alternate rhymes

Blank
verse and prose

Homer
as Prologue/Author/Chorus as well as Epilogus

5
after Homer’s speeches at the beginning acts 2, 3, 4, 5 and
Epilogus

1612

A
Christian Turn’d Turk

Robert
Daborne

Chorus
(not listed among the dramatis personae)

[+
Prologue + Epilogue]

5

Couplets
of iambic pentameters

Blank
verse and prose

Epilogue

2

1613

The
Silver Age, Including the Loue Of Iupiter To Alcmena: the
Birth Of Hercules

Thomas
Heywood

London:

Printed by Nicholas Okes [etc.]

No
Chorus on the list of speakers (Homer calls himself Chorus)

4

Iambic
pentameters with alternate rhymes and couplets

Blank
verse and prose

Homer
as Prologue/Author/Chorus as well as Epilogus

3
after Homer’s speeches at the

1613

The brazen age the first
act containing, the death of the centaure
Nessus, the second, the tragedy of
Meleager: the third the tragedy of Iason and
Medea. The fourth. Vulcans net the fifth. The labours
and death of Hercules: written by Thomas Heywood.

Thomas
Heywood

London:
Printed by Nicholas Okes, for Samuel Rand dwelling neere
Holborne-Bridge, 1613.

No
Chorus on the list of speakers (Homer)

As
Prologue and Epilogues + 5 speeches and shows

Several
dumb shows and

1
show

1613

A
Relation Of the Late Royall Entertainment Given By the Right
Honorable the Lord Knowles, At
Cawsome-House Neere Redding: To Our Most Gracious Queene, Queene
Anne, in Her Progresse Toward the Bathe, Vpon the Seuen and Eight
and Twentie Dayes Of Aprill 1613. Whereunto Is Annexed the
Description, Speeches, and Songs Of the Lords Maske, Presented in
the Banquetting-House On the Mariage Night Of the High and
Mightie, Covnt Palatine, and the Royally Descended the Ladie
Elizabeth. Written By Thomas Campian.

Thomas
Campion

London:

Printed for Iohn Budge [etc.]

2
choral songs

1613

The
tragedie of Mariam, the faire queene of Iewry. Written by
that learned, vertuous, and truly noble ladie, E.C.

Elizabeth
Carey

London:
Printed by Thomas Creede, for Richard Hawkins, and are to be solde
at his shoppe in Chancery Lane, neere vnto Sargeants Inne, 1613.

Chorus:
a company of Jews

5,
at end of each act

1°
and 3°: sextets of iambic pentameters (abacde)

2°,
4°, and 5°: sextets of iambic pentameters (ababcc)

Iambic
pertameters with alternate rhymes and various other rhymes

1615

The
Valiant Welshman, Or the Trve Chronicle History Of the Life
and Valiant Deedes Of Carado the Great, King Of Cambria, Now
Called Wales

Robert
Armin

London:

Imprinted by George Purslowe for Robert Lownes [etc.]

Not
on the list of speakers

Bardh,
or Welsh poet, once challed Chorus (scene 4)

Blank
verse

Blank
verse and prose

1
following the Bardh’s speech in scene 2

1615

Hymens
Triumph

Samuel
Daniel

Chorus
of Sheperds

Sogs
of 4 Choruses

1°
iambic tetrameters, trimeters monoters (ababacc)

2°
iambic tetrameters and 2 trimeters (abbacc)

4°
iambic tetrameters (ababcc)

5°
iambic trimeters (aabbacc)

Blank
verse

Prologue

1616
B text

The
tragicall history of the life and death of Doctor Faustus.
Written by Ch. Marklin

London:
Printed for Iohn Wright, and are to be sold at his
shop without Newgate, at the signe of the Bible.1616.

=
1604

+
1 at the beginning of act 3 (passage assigned to Wagner in 1604)

1619

The
tragicall history of the life and death of Doctor Faustus With
new additions. Written by Ch. Mar.

London:
Printed for Iohn Wright, and are to be sold at his shop without
Newgate, at the signe of the Bible, 1619.

=
1604

1620

The
tragicall histoy [sic] of the life and death of
Doctor Faustus With new additions. Written by Ch. Mar.

=
1616

=
1604

1624
B text

The
tragicall history of the life and death of Doctor Faustus With
new additions. Written by Ch. Mar.

Printed
at London: For Iohn Wright, and are to be sold at his shop without
Newgate, 1624.

=
1619

1616

Sejanus
his fall

In

The
Workes Of Benjamin Jonson

Ben
Jonson

London:

Richard Meighen

No
formal chorus

(“.
. .as also in the want of a proper Chorus, whose
Habite, and Moodes are such, and so difficult, as not any, whome I
haue seene since the Auntients, (no not they who
haue most presently affected Lawes) haue yet come in the way
off.”)

3
Choruses of Musicians

1616

Love
Freed from Ignorance and Folly

In:

The
Workes Of Benjamin 6

Ben
Jonson

London:

Richard
Meighen

Chorus
(no list of speakers)

A
Dialogue betweene the Chorus and the Graces.

Various
meters

Couplets
of iambic tetrameters

1622

The
True Tragedy Of Herod and Antipater: With the Death Of Faire
Marriam

Gervase
Markham and William Sampson

London:
Printed by G. Eld, for Mathevv Rhodes [etc.]

No
Chorus

Prologue

4

1623
Folio

The
Winter’s Tale

In:

Mr.
William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies. Oushed
according to the True Originall Copies.

William
Shakespeare

London:
Printed by Isaac Iaggard, and Ed. Blount

Time

1
(4.1 Enter Time, the Chorus)

Couplets
of iambic pentameters

Blank
verse and prose