THE CAPTIVES, or
THE LOST RECOVERED

licensed 3 September 1624

No early printed edition of The Captives exists, and modern editions are based on a single manuscript copy of the play, Egerton MS. 1994.

a synoptic, alphabetical character list

ABBOT
In charge of a group of 12 friars, including Friar John and Friar Richard, at the monastery patronized by the Duke of Averne. After much bickering, the Abbot tells Friar John and Friar Richard to resolve their differences or face expulsion from the order. Early the next morning joins Friars John and Richard near the gate, having also been awakened by the voices of Palestra and Scribonia outside. He pities the women's distress and agrees to give them food, clothing, and shelter in a building outside of the cloister. Later, he is brought by the Baker after the horse bearing the armed corpse of Friar John collides with the horse bearing the escaping Friar Richard. Even though Friar Richard admits to murdering Friar John, the Abbot orders him to stand trial. At the end of the play the Abbot accompanies Friar Richard to his execution and then, after the Duke of Averne pardons Friar Richard, helps to resolve the sequence of events leading up to and beyond the murder of Friar John. The Abbot vows to assist the pardoned Duke to repent for the murder of Friar John.

ASHBURNE
Family name of John, Isabel, and Thomas.

BAKER
Loans his horse to Friar Richard, who plans to use it to escape after supposedly murdering Friar John. Later, the Baker reports to Dennis and the Duke of Averne the news about the armed Friar John attacking Friar Richard on horseback; he then exits to inform the Abbot and returns with him.

CHOIR
Several friars sing a short Latin hymn praising the charity of their patron the Duke of Averne as he, his wife, and their servant pass by on their way to matins.

CLOWN
Comic servant to Raphael. Called James by Scribonia. Fetches Mildew for Raphael. Later joins Raphael and Treadway in the search for Mildew after he fails to keep his appointment with them. Raphael sends the Clown off on his own to continue the search, and he meets with the two Fishermen. He asks them if they have seen Mildew and the two women, but they think he is mocking them and they exit. He then encounters Scribonia who has come from the monastery to the town to fetch water. After hearing about Scribonia's and Palestra's shipwreck and recovery he exits in search of Raphael to give him the news. The Clown encounters John Ashburne and Godfrey and asks for their help to rescue Palestra and Scribonia from Mildew and Sarleboys until he can return with Raphael. He brings Raphael and Treadway to the village where Mildew and Sarleboys with the two women captives are confronting John Ashburne, Godfrey, and the assembled villagers. Later, as the trial of Mildew and Sarleboys is proceeding, the Clown is sent back to the village to keep Palestra and Scribonia occupied. On the way he encounters the Fisherman Gripus who has just caught Mildew's bag, containing his gold, and he attempts to gain a portion of the treasure for himself. As the Clown argues that he knows the bag's owner and thus could deprive the Fisherman of all the gold, the Fisherman counters by arguing that he has the right to anything he fishes from the sea. They hear the argument between John Ashburne and his wife and agree to suspend their argument and hide for the moment. After Ashburne's wife exits, the Clown and the Fisherman bring their argument over ownership of Mildew's bag to Ashburne; as they argue he sends Godfrey to fetch Palestra and Scribonia, and the debate over ownership of the bag becomes lost during the discovery of Palestra's true identity as Mirable, John Ashburne's long lost daughter. Ashburne tells the Clown to fetch Raphael and to inform him that Palestra is Mirabel; in return, the Clown makes Ashburne agree to negotiate the Clown's freedom from Raphael. The Clown returns with Raphael and Treadway, confirming the discovery of Palestra's true identity as Mirabel and that John Ashburne will consent to Raphael's marriage to Palestra/Mirabel. After Raphael and Treadway exit, Ashburne stops the Clown and asks to be taken to the Ashburne Raphael, Treadway and the clown were discussing; the Clown agrees in return for money. He then brings Thomas Ashburne to witness the reunion of Raphael and Palestra/Mirabel. After the entry of Friar Richard on his way to execution is halted by the Duke of Averne, who confesses to Friar John's murder, the Clown advises Friar Richard to get his neck out of the halter.

DENNIS
Servant to Duke of Averne. First appears with the Duke and his wife on their way to matins. Later joins the Duke when he receives Friar John's letter from Lady Averne. After reading the letter, the Duke sends Dennis for a pen, ink, and paper; after the Duke directs Lady Averne to write a reply to Friar John, he directs Dennis to fetch his horses and to accompany him on a three-day trip. Dennis is then privately directed by the Duke to order the servants to leave the gates open so that they can return in secret. After evensong, Dennis attends the Duke in preparation for their capture of Friar John; when the Friar arrives, Dennis assists the Duke as he strangles the Friar. When the Duke suddenly feels remorse over the murder, Dennis assists the Duke in plotting some means of hiding the crime. After the Duke decides to secretly convey the Friar's body back into the monastery, Dennis exits to fetch a ladder. Later, Dennis descends on a ladder with the Friar's body on his back; he sets the body up near the monastery and exits. That night Dennis is summoned by the Duke and told to check to ensure that Friar John's body is safely out of the way; as he searches, Dennis comes across the body of Friar John, which was left in the Duke's porch by Friar Richard. Dennis cries bring the Duke and Dennis then leaves to get the armor and horse they will use to get rid of the body. Later, the Duke and Dennis send the mounted and armed corpse of Friar John out of the gate; after hearing Friar John's horse collide with Friar Richard's, they gradually withdraw as they learn that Friar Richard has confessed to the murder of Friar John. At the end of the play, he joins the Duke of Averne and admits to his role in the murder of Friar John, thus sparing Friar Richard from execution.

DUKE of AVERNE
Patron of the monastery run by the Abbot and housing Friars John and Robert. First appears with Lady Averne and his servant Dennis on their way to matins, where they are greeted by the Abbot and Friars John and Robert and serenaded by a choir of friars. Later he along with Dennis joins Lady Averne and her Maid and reads the letter from Friar John that Lady Averne gives to him. The Duke is outraged and plans to destroy the entire monastery until Lady Averne counsels him to only punish Friar John. He orders Dennis to fetch him pen, ink and paper, and he writes down a note for Lady Averne to copy and send to Friar John; the note instructs the Friar to visit Lady Averne in her chamber that evening. He then sends Dennis to prepare his horses for a three day journey for himself and Dennis alone. He privately orders Dennis to arrange for the gates to be left unlocked so that they can return in secret. He then tells Lady Averne and the Maid to deliver the reply to Friar John at evensong. Later, when the Maid returns from delivering the letter, he instructs her to wait for Friar John and show him up to Lady Averne's chamber. He also tells Lady Averne, who has counseled him to be patient with the Friar, to retire to her chamber to avoid facing his anger. He then, along with Dennis, hide themselves to wait for Friar John's arrival. When the Friar arrives and is waiting for the Maid to return with a light, the Duke strangles him. After killing the Friar, the Duke is suddenly struck by his guilty conscience and begins to plot with Dennis some means to avoid punishment for murder. The Duke eventually decides to secretly convey the Friar's body back into the monastery in the hopes that the long-standing enmity between Friar John and Friar Richard will cast suspicion on Friar Richard. Later, unable to sleep, the Duke enters and refuses to tell Lady Averne what is troubling him; he sends her back to her chamber. He calls for Dennis and sends him to check again that Friar John's body is safely out of the way; he then exits. He reenters when Dennis cries out upon discovering Friar John's body in the porch. He decides to get rid of the body by dressing it in armor, tying it on to a horse, and turning the horse out of the gate; he sends Dennis to fetch the necessary equipment. Later, the Duke and Dennis send the mounted and armed corpse of Friar John out of the gate; after hearing Friar John's horse collide with Friar Richard's, they gradually withdraw as they learn that Friar Richard has confessed to the murder of Friar John. At the end of the play, the Duke interrupts Friar Richard on the way to his execution and tell the Sheriff to free Friar Richard. When the Sheriff insists on royal authority for such a pardon, the Duke confesses to his and Dennis' parts in the murder of Friar John and gives himself up to the Sheriff. When Lady Averne arrives with a pardon for her husband from the king, the Duke vows to do penance for Friar John's murder. He ends the play by inviting everyone to a feast.

FACTOR
Agent for Thomas Ashburne. As Ashburne leaves to explore Marseilles, his Factor promises to look after his ship and men.

FISHERMEN
Two fishermen, one named Gripus, lament that being poor compels them to fish despite the violent storm. They are met by the Clown, who has been sent by Raphael to continue the search for Palestra and Scribonia. When the Clown asks whether they have seen Mildew or the two women, they think he is mocking them and they exit. Later, the Fisherman Gripus who works for John Asburne catches Mildew's bag, containing his gold, in his net. As the Clown attempts to get a portion of the gold for himself by arguing that he knows the bag's owner, the Fisherman counters by arguing that he has the right to anything he fishes from the sea. They hear the argument between John Ashburne and his wife and agree to suspend their argument and hide for the moment. When Ashburne is free, the Clown and the Fisherman both state their claims to the bag; when Palestra and Scribonia return with Godfrey and the bag is found to conceal the secret of Palestra's identity, Ashburne takes the bag himself and defers his judgment to a later date. Gripus, however, does not trust Ashburne and publicly seeks the bag's true owner. He finds Mildew and Sarleboys, and Mildew negotiates the return of the bag in exchange for a thousand crowns. Gripus exits and returns with Godfrey and John Ashburne, who brings Mildew's bag with him. When Mildew receives his bag, he refuses to give Gripus the agreed 1000 crowns, so Gripus complains to Ashburne: Ashburne orders Mildew to pay Gripus or return to court. Mildew pays Gripus the thousand crowns, but Ashburne takes half of the sum to pay Mildew to free Scribonia. When John Ashburne's fortune is restored, Gripus receives all of Ashburne's fishing equipment, which he considers fair compensation for the loss of the money in Mildew's bag.

FRIAR JOHN
Has an ongoing dislike of Friar Richard and also is in love with the Lady of Averne, the young wife of his order's patron, the Duke of Averne. Outwardly accepts the Abbot's order to stop his fighting with Friar Richard, but keeps the fight going in his asides. Secretly agrees to meet with Friar Richard in the orchard after evensong to settle their differences. Cynically answers Palestra's and Scribonia's questions about charity when they arrive outside the monastery walls after the shipwreck by imitating an echo. Joined by Friar Richard who was awakened by the voices outside the gate; they discuss their fight in the orchard the previous evening. After the Abbot arranges for shelter for the women and they exit, the Duke of Averne, his wife, and Dennis pass by on their way to matins: John pays special attention to Lady Averne and she returns his compliment. In soliloquy, John plans to write a love note to Lady Averne, reasoning that her favor towards him can only mean love on her part. He secretly delivers his note to her by means of her Maid, and later receives the reply to his note composed by the Duke of Averne but written by Lady Averne instructing him to visit her in her chamber that evening. He arrives and is met by the Maid, who leaves him to fetch a light. As he waits for her return, he is strangled by the Duke, assisted by Dennis, who had hidden themselves waiting for his arrival. The Duke orders Dennis to put Friar John's body in the monastery grounds in order to throw suspicion for the murder on Friar Richard. After Dennis does this, Friar Richard encounters the body but, unaware that John is dead, he strikes the body and assumes that he has killed Friar John. He carries Friar John's body back to the Duke of Averne's residence and leaves it on the porch. Dennis and the Duke of Averne discover Friar John's body and are shocked at its mysterious return; the Duke resolves to dress the body in a suit of armor, tie it on a horse, and turn it out of the gates. Once the Friar's armed corpse has been turned loose, the horse begins to pursue the horse of Friar Richard: they collide and Friar Richard confesses to murdering Friar John.

FRIAR RICHARD
Has an ongoing dislike of Friar John. Outwardly accepts the Abbot's order to stop his fighting with Friar John, but keeps the fight going in his asides. Secretly agrees to meet with Friar John in the orchard after evensong to settle their differences. Is awakened early in the morning by the voices of Palestra and Scribonia outside the gate. When he goes to investigate he meets Friar John and they discuss their fight in the orchard the previous evening. After the Abbot arranges for shelter for the women, Richard watches the Duke of Averne, Lady Averne, and Dennis pass by on the way to matins. Later, Friar Richard is walking at night, having been kept awake by a cold, and sees what he thinks is Friar John but what is in fact the Friar's body. When Friar John fails to answer, Friar Richard strikes him and then discovers that Friar John is dead. Thinking that he has murdered Friar John, Friar Richard picks up the body and carries it up the ladder, intending to leave it near the Duke of Averne's residence. Shortly afterwards, he reenters and places Friar John's body in the porch of the Duke's residence. Still feeling guilty over the supposed murder of Friar John, Friar Richard visits a Baker and borrows the Baker's horse in order to make his escape. As he rides away, he is pursued and overtaken by the corpse of Friar John, dressed in armor and armed with a lance and pistols. After they collide, Friar Richard confesses to the murder of Friar John, is taken prisoner and ordered to stand trial by the Abbot. At the end of the play Friar Richard is being led to his execution when he is stopped by the Duke of Averne, who confesses his role in the murder of Friar John. Friar Richard assists in the unraveling of the events surrounding Friar John's murder.

GODFREY
Servant to John Ashburne. Wanders with Ashburne in a severe storm and overhears Raphael complaining of his loss at the hands of Mildew. After Raphael and the Clown exit, Godfrey joins John Ashburne on some rocks where they witness the ship carrying Mildew, Sarleboys, and his women wrecked in the storm. They both attempt to rescue two women (Palestra and Scribonia) they have seen swimming from the wreck towards the shore. Later, Godfrey answers when Scribonia knocks at the gate seeking water. He tries to trade water for a kiss, but when Scribonia refuses him he agrees to fill her pail with water. When he returns he discovers that Scribonia has fled; initially he plans to throw away the pail but when he notices that it belongs to the monastery he decides to return it himself. After returning from the monastery he reports the state of distress in which he found Palestra and Scribonia, and is overheard by Mildew and Sarleboys. Later he is with John Ashburne when the Clown comes to them seeking assistance to rescue Palestra and Scribona from Mildew and Sarleboys; when the Clown leaves to bring Raphael back to them, Godfrey exits to raise the villagers to assist with the rescue; he returns with the villagers just as Mildew and Sarleboys enter with Palestra and Scribonia as captives. As Mildew and Sarleboys attempt to negotiate with John Ashburne and Raphael, Godfrey takes charge of the villagers. Later, after John Ashburne and his wife argue about the presence of Palestra and Scribonia in the Ashburne home, Godfrey takes Palestra and Scribonia back to the monastery for safety. As soon as he returns, Ashburne sends him to fetch the women back again. Godfrey brings the women back and witnesses the revelation of Palestra's true identity as Mirabel, John Ashburne's long lost daughter. Godfrey is then sent to fetch Ashburne's wife to participate in the reunion. After Ashburne's wife leaves with Palestra and Scribonia, Godfrey leaves with Ashburne, carrying Mildew's bag of gold. Later, after the collision of Friar John's and Friar Richard's horses, Godfrey describes the event and Friar Richard's confession of guilt. Later, Godfrey encounters Gripus the Fisherman seeking the owner of Mildew's treasure bag and leaves to tell John Ashburne. Godfrey witnesses the return of the bag to Mildew, the payment of Gripus, and Ashburne's negotiation of freedom for Scribonia. At the end of the play, after Raphael and Mirabel and Treadway and Winifred have been united, Godfrey enters hastily to call attention to Friar Richard's impending execution.

GRIPUS
One of the two Fishermen who work for John Ashburne. Gripus catches Mildew's bag, containing his gold, in his net. As the Clown attempts to get a portion of the gold for himself by arguing that he knows the bag's owner, the Fisherman counters by arguing that he has the right to anything he fishes from the sea. They hear the argument between John Ashburne and his wife and agree to suspend their argument and hide for the moment. When Ashburne is free, the Clown and the Fisherman both state their claims to the bag; when Palestra and Scribonia return with Godfrey and the bag is found to conceal the secret of Palestra's identity, Ashburne takes the bag himself and defers his judgment to a later date. Gripus, however, does not trust Ashburne and publicly seeks the bag's true owner. He finds Mildew and Sarleboys, and Mildew negotiates the return of the bag in exchange for a thousand crowns. Gripus exits and returns with Godfrey and John Ashburne, who brings Mildew's bag with him. When Mildew receives his bag, he refuses to give Gripus the agreed 1000 crowns, so Gripus complains to Ashburne: Ashburne orders Mildew to pay Gripus or return to court. Mildew pays Gripus the thousand crowns, but Ashburne takes half of the sum to pay Mildew to free Scribonia. When John Ashburne's fortune is restored, Gripus receives all of Ashburne's fishing equipment, which he considers fair compensation for the loss of the money in Mildew's bag.

ISABEL
John Ashburne's Wife; named Isabel only in a stage direction. Accuses her husband of keeping Palestra and Scribonia as his mistresses within their home, rejecting his claim that his actions were charitable and ordering Palestra and Scribonia to leave. Later, Godfrey fetches her back to join her husband in the celebration of the recovery of their lost daughter Mirabel, who has been disguised as Palestra. She then takes Palestra/Mirabel and Scribonia into her house. When Raphael and Treadway arrive, she enters with Palestra/Mirabel and Scribonia, witnesses Mirabel united with Raphael, and promises to assist Treadway's suit to Scribonia.

JAMES
Name used by Scribonia for the Clown.

JOHN ASHBURNE
An English merchant who has been ruined financially and at the start of the play oversees Gripus' small fishing operation in a village outside Marseilles. After wandering outside in a severe storm, overhears Raphael complaining of his loss at the hands of Mildew. Raphael questions Ashburne regarding Mildew and the two women, and, after Ashburne reveals that he has lost a daughter and has been ruined financially, Ashburne offers to send word to Raphael if he discovers Mildew or the women. After Raphael and the Clown exit, John Asburne climbs up on some rocks with Godfrey and witnesses the ship carrying Mildew, Sarleboys, and his women wrecked in the storm. They both attempt to rescue two women (Palestra and Scribonia) they have seen swimming from the wreck towards the shore. Later, John Ashburne and Godfrey meet the Clowne, who is seeking help to rescue Palestra and Scribonia from Mildew and Sarleboys. Ashburne, recalling both his lost daughter and his promise to Raphael, agrees to help and sends the Clown to bring Raphael to them while at the same time promising to raise the villagers to assist the rescue. When Mildew and Sarleboys enter with Palestra and Scribonia as captives, he promises, with the aid of the villagers, to protect the women as if they were his own children, despite Mildew's claim that they are his property. After the arrival of Raphael and Treadway, John Ashburne agrees to shelter the women until a judge can determine what is to be done with them as well as with Mildew and Sarleboys. Later, while Mildew and Sarleboys are on trial, John Ashburne has an argument with his wife, who accuses him of keeping Palestra and Scribonia as his mistresses within their home; Ashburne counters that his actions were motivated by charity and the memory of their lost child. When his wife orders that the two women leave, he instructs Godfrey to take Palestra and Scribonia back to the monastery. The Fisherman Gripus and the Clown bring their argument over ownership of Mildew's bag to Ashburne; as they argue, Ashburne sends Godfrey to fetch Palestra and Scribonia again. After the women identify the bag as Mildew's, Palestra requests that she be given the casket in the bag containing the items which reveal her true identity. Ashburne has Palestra name everything in the casket and gradually he discovers that she is in fact Mirabel, his long lost daughter. He sends Godfrey to fetch his wife to join in the family reunion. Later, roused by the collision between Friar John's and Friar Richard's horses, he asks Godfrey to describe the occurrence. Ashburne is brought by Godfrey and Gripus to return Mildew's bag to its rightful owner. When Mildew receives the bag but refuses to pay Gripus the agreed upon sum, Ashburne orders him to pay or return to court. Ashburne then takes half of Gripus' money to buy Scribonia's freedom from Mildew. He reunites Raphael with Palestra/Mirabel and consents to their marriage, and then asks Mildew to reveal the parentage of Scribonia. As he is about to give Scribonia to Treadway in marriage, Thomas Ashburne steps forward and the brothers are reunited. John Ashburne receives a letter from his brother which informs him that his fortune has been restored and that he has inherited a small fortune. With his financial recovery, John Ashburne passes on all of the fishing equipment he owned to Gripus. He then invites Raphael, Treadway, Mirabel and Winifred to accompany him to London where he can receive them in a more luxurious manner. The departure of the Ashburne brothers, Raphael, Mirabel, Treadway, and Winifred is delayed, however, by the resolution of Friar John's murder amongst the Sherrif, the Abbot, Friar Richard, the Duke of Averne and Dennis.

KING of FRANCE
A "ghost character." Gives Lady Averne a pardon for her husband the Duke of Averne.

LADY AVERNE
Young wife to Duke of Averne and loved by Friar John. First appears with Lord Averne and Dennis on the way to matins; she acknowledges in passing Friar John's special attentiveness to her. Later she receives a love letter from Friar John delivered by her Maid. Reading the letter, she suspects that the Duke is jealous and is testing her fidelity by means of Friar John. She decides to preserve her reputation by showing the letter to the Duke, who enters at this point and reads the letter that Lady Averne hands him. When the Duke becomes enraged, Lady Averne calms him and counsels him to punish only Friar John rather than the entire monastery. She agrees to copy the note the Duke has written for her in reply to Friar John, and to deliver it to him at evensong; the note instructs the Friar to visit Lady Averne in her chamber that evening. Later, after the note has been delivered and the Duke and Dennis are preparing to depart, Lady Averne counsels her husband to restrain his anger against Friar John. In reply, he orders her to retire to her chamber. Later, Lady Averne enters with her husband and asks why he cannot sleep; he refuses to answer and sends her back to her chamber. At the end of the play, as the Duke of Averne has confessed to Friar John's murder and turned himself over to the Sheriff, Lady Averne enters with a pardon for her husband from the King.

MAID
Servant to Lady Averne. Called Mistress Millicent by Friar John. Delivers Friar John's letter to Lady Averne. Later, she is instructed to deliver Lady Averne's reply, composed by the Duke, to Friar John, instructing him to meet Lady Averne that evening. After delivering the letter, the Duke instructs her to let the Friar in and lead him to Lady Averne's chamber. She accompanies Lady Averne at the end of the play when she delivers the King's pardon to her husband.

MILDEW
Procurer or pimp. Agrees to Raphael's offer to buy Palestra and Scribonia out of Mildew's brothel, as Palestra is uninterested in working as a prostitute. After Raphael pays him, Mildew promises to bring them to a nearby house to complete the exchange. After Raphael exits, he agrees with Sarleboys' plan to instead take Raphael's money and relocate his brothel to a new town. Shortly after leaving Marseilles by sea, their ship is wrecked in a storm. Later Mildew and Sarleboys reappear in the town and nearly encounter Scribonia as she waits for Godfrey to bring her water. Mildew begins to argue with Sarleboys, as each blames the other for their losses at sea; he then laments the loss of Palestra and Scribonia as well as his bag, which contained all of his money. They stop arguing and overhear Godfrey, returning from the monastery, discussing two young girls whom they suspect might be Palestra and Scribonia. Mildew begins to question Godfrey about the girls, and although Godfrey answers nonsensically, Mildew eventually discovers that the girls are sheltering in the monastery. Mildew and Sarleboys capture Palestra and Scribonia in the monastery and as they are taking them through the village they are confronted by John Ashburne, Godfrey, and the assembled villagers. Mildew claims the women as his property, but Ashburne and the villagers threaten violence against Mildew and Sarleboys if they attempt to go any further with the women. Later, after a judge determines that Mildew and Sarleboys have no claim to Palestra but only to Scribonia, the two men complain about the verdict. They then overhear Gripus the Fisherman announcing his capture of Mildew's bag in his fishing net; Mildew negotiates with Gripus for the return of the bag in exchange for a thousand crowns. After Gripus fetches John Ashburne, Godfrey and the bag, Mildew claims ownership of his bag and then refuses to pay Gripus his thousand crowns. Ashburne threatens to take Mildew back to court, so Mildew pays Gripus his money. Ashburne then arranges with Mildew to free Scribonia in return for 500 crowns. After Palestra/Mirabel is reunited with Raphael, John Ashburne asks Mildew if he knows Scribonia's parentage; Mildew reveals that she is in fact Winifred, the daughter of Thomas Ashburne.

MILLICENT
Servant to Lady Averne. Called Mistress Millicent only by Friar John. Delivers Friar John's letter to Lady Averne. Later, she is instructed to deliver Lady Averne's reply, composed by the Duke, to Friar John, instructing him to meet Lady Averne that evening. After delivering the letter, the Duke instructs her to let the Friar in and lead him to Lady Averne's chamber. She accompanies Lady Averne at the end of the play when she delivers the King's pardon to her husband.

PALESTRA
One of Mildew's prostitutes, although virtuous and unwilling to work for him. Her real name is Mirabel and it is eventually revealed that she is John Ashburne's long-lost daughter. First appears in the play after the shipwreck witnessed by John Ashburne and Godfrey. She laments the loss in the wreck of a small casket containing information concerning her true name and parentage which Mildew had kept away from her and which she now fears is lost forever; she also laments the supposed loss of her companion Scribonia, but soon discovers that she has also survived the shipwreck. They agree to seek shelter in the nearby monastery, where their questions regarding charity are cynically answered by an echo (which turns out to be Friar John). Along with Scribonia pleads for and receives charity from the Abbot, who offers them food, clothing, and shelter. Palestra and Scribonia are later taken captive in the monastery by Mildew and Sarleboys, on the grounds that the women are Mildew's property. When they arrive in the village, Palestra and Scribonia appeal for help from John Ashburne and the assembled villagers. After the argument amongst Mildew, John Ashburne, and Raphael over possession of the women, Palestra and Scribonia take shelter with John Ashburne until a trial can determine their fates as well as the fates of Mildew and Sarleboys. Later, after John Ashburne and his wife argue about the presence of Palestra and Scribonia in the Ashburne home, Godfrey takes Palestra and Scribonia back to the monastery for safety. Godfrey shortly returns to fetch Palestra and Scibonia back to John Ashburne's, where the women identify the bag the Clown and the Fisherman Gripus are arguing over as Mildew's. Palestra then requests that she be given possession of the casket within the bag containing items which reveal her true identity. As John Ashburne goes through the items in the casket with Palestra, they both discover that she is in fact his long lost daughter Mirabel. Godfrey fetches Ashburne's wife and Palestra/Mirabel is reunited with her mother. Later, Palestra/Mirabel enters with Ashburne's wife and Scribonia, and she is united with Raphael; she promises to assist Treadway in wooing Scribonia. She then agrees to go to London with Raphael and the others. The departure of the Ashburne brothers, Raphael, Mirabel, Treadway, and Winifred is delayed, however, by the resolution of Friar John's murder amongst the Sherrif, the Abbot, Friar Richard, the Duke of Averne and Dennis.

RAPHAEL
A young merchant. Plans to rescue his beloved mistress Palestra and her companion Scribonia from Mildew's brothel by buying them from him. Gives Mildew 300 crowns in return for Mildew's agreement to deliver Palestra and Scribonia to a nearby house that evening. When Mildew fails to arrive, Raphael along with Treadway and the Clown begin to search for Mildew, despite a fierce storm. Raphael sends Treadway back to search the city for Mildew. Raphael notices John Ashburne and Godfrey and asks them if they have seen Mildew and the women; when Ashburne says that he has not seen them, Raphael leaves his name and address with him and continues on with his search. Later, Raphael and Treadway are brought by the Clown to the village where Mildew and Sarleboys with the two women captives are confronting John Ashburne, Godfrey, and the assembled villagers. Raphael is happily reunited with Palestra and is furious with Mildew; Treadway counsels him to pursue legal action against Mildew rather than direct revenge. Later, the Clown returns with Raphael and Treadway, confirming the discovery of Palestra's true identity as Mirabel and that John Ashburne will consent to Raphael's marriage to Palestra/Mirabel. Raphael also agrees to speak with Scribonia about Treadway's love for her. Raphael and Treadway then meet John Ashburne, his wife, Palestra/Mirabel, and Scribonia; Ashburne confirms Palestra's identity as Mirabel and presents her to Raphael as a wife. Raphael then asks Mirabel to speak to Scribonia about Treadway's love. Raphael agrees to go with Mirabel and the others to London. The departure of the Ashburne brothers, Raphael, Mirabel, Treadway, and Winifred is delayed, however, by the resolution of Friar John's murder amongst the Sherrif, the Abbot, Friar Richard, the Duke of Averne and Dennis.

SARLEBOYS
Friend of Mildew. Accompanies Mildew to conclude the offer with Raphael. After Raphael and Treadway exit, he suggests to Mildew that they simply take Raphael's money and all of the women and relocate Mildew's brothel to a new city, rather than complete the exchange. Joins Mildew to leave Marseille by sea and is involved in the wreck that sinks Mildew's ship. Later Mildew and Sarleboys reappear in the town and nearly encounter Scribonia as she waits for Godfrey to bring her water. Mildew begins to argue with Sarleboys, as each blames the other for their losses at sea. They stop arguing and overhear Godfrey, returning from the monastery, discussing two young girls whom they suspect might be Palestra and Scribonia. Sarleboys begins to ask Godfrey where he can find food and shelter and, receiving no answer, follows Mildew to the monastery, where he hopes to find food and shelter. Mildew and Sarleboys capture Palestra and Scribonia in the monastery and as they are taking them through the village they are confronted by John Ashburne, Godfrey, and the assembled villagers. Mildew claims the women as his property, but Ashburne and the villagers threaten violence against Mildew and Sarleboys if they attempt to go any further with the women. Later, after a judge determines that Mildew and Sarleboys have no claim to Palestra but only to Scribonia, the two men complain about the verdict. They then overhear Gripus the Fisherman announcing his capture of Mildew's bag in his fishing net; Mildew negotiates the return of the bag in exchange for a thousand crowns.

SCRIBONIA
One of Mildew's prostitutes and companion to Palestra. Her real name is Winifred and it is eventually revealed that she is Thomas Ashburne's long-lost daughter. First appears in the play after the shipwreck witnessed by John Ashburne and Godfrey. Initially fears that Palestra has been lost but quickly discovers that she has also survived the shipwreck. They agree to seek shelter in the nearby monastery, where their questions regarding charity are cynically answered by an echo (which turns out to be Friar John). Along with Palestra pleads for and receives charity from the Abbot, who offers them food, clothing, and shelter. Scribonia is sent into the village to fetch water, where she ecounters the Clown. She is glad to see him, asks after Raphael, and then informs the Clown about their shipwreck and recovery. After the Clown exits, she knocks at the gate and Godfrey answers. He initially tries to get her to kiss him in exchange for water, but when she refuses he agrees to fill her pail with water. As she is waiting for Godfrey she spies Mildew and Sarleboys, who have also survived the shipwreck, and flees back to the monastery to tell Palestra. Palestra and Scribonia are later taken captive in the monastery by Mildew and Sarleboys, on the grounds that the women are Mildew's property. When they arrive in the village, Palestra and Scribonia appeal for help from John Ashburne and the assembled villagers. After the argument amongst Mildew, John Ashburne, and Raphael over possession of the women, Palestra and Scribonia take shelter with John Ashburne until a trial can determine their fates as well as the fates of Mildew and Sarleboys. Later, after John Ashburne and his wife argue about the presence of Palestra and Scribonia in the Ashburne home, Godfrey takes Palestra and Scribonia back to the monastery for safety. Godfrey shortly returns to fetch Palestra and Scibonia back to John Ashburne's, where the women identify the bag the Clown and the Fisherman Gripus are arguing over as Mildew's. Scribonia watches as Palestra's true identity as Ashburne's daughter Mirabel is revealed and as Palestra/Mirabel is reunited with her mother; Scribonia joins Palestra/Mirabel and goes into the Ashburne house. Later she joins Ashburne's wife and Palestra/Mirabel in meeting Ashburne, Treadway and Raphael, and she accepts Treadway's marriage proposal. She then hears Mildew announce that she is the daughter of Thomas Ashburne and that her true name is Winifred. As John Ashburne is about to give her to Treadway in marriage, Thomas Ashburne steps forward and is reunited with his daughter. She agrees to join Treadway and the others in returning to London. The departure of the Ashburne brothers, Raphael, Mirabel, Treadway, and Winifred is delayed, however, by the resolution of Friar John's murder amongst the Sherrif, the Abbot, Friar Richard, the Duke of Averne and Dennis.

SHERIFF
At the end of the play, is leading Friar Richard to his execution when he is intercepted by the Duke of Averne and Dennis, who confess to their role in Friar John's murder. The Duke turns himself over to the Sheriff's authority when Lady Averne arrives with a pardon for her husband from the King.

THOMAS ASHBURNE
An English merchant and younger brother to John Ashburne. En route to Florence with news for his brother concerning a new-found fortune, Ashburne is blown off course by a storm and lands in Marseilles. Leaving his Factor in charge of the ship and its men, Ashburne is about to explore Marseilles when he notices Raphael, Treadway, and the Clown passing by. He overhears the Clown telling Raphael and Treadway about the discovery of Palestra's true identity, particularly when the Clown says that she is John Ashburne's daughter. After Raphael and Treadway exit, Ashburne stops the Clown and asks to be taken to the Ashburne Raphael, Treadway and the clown were discussing. The Clown agrees, and Ashburne witnesses the reunion of Raphael and Palestra/Mirabel, and then overhears Mildew reveal that Scribonia is in fact his long lost daughter Winifred. As John Ashburne is about to give Scribonia/Winifred to Treadway, Thomas Ashburne steps forward and is reunited with his daughter and brother. He delivers the letter to John Ashburne which announces the restoration of John Ashburne's fortune as well as a sizeable inheritance. He then agrees to join with his brother and the two couples and return to London. The departure of the Ashburne brothers, Raphael, Mirabel, Treadway, and Winifred is delayed, however, by the resolution of Friar John's murder amongst the Sherrif, the Abbot, Friar Richard, the Duke of Averne and Dennis.

TREADWAY
Friend and companion to Raphael. Questions Raphael's plan to rescue his mistress from Mildew's brothel, fearing she has been contaminated by her exposure to vice. Joins Raphael and the Clown in the search for Mildew after he fails to keep his appointment with them; he is then sent by Raphael to search the city for Mildew. Later, Raphael and Treadway are brought by the Clown to the village where Mildew and Sarleboys with the two women captives are confronting John Ashburne, Godfrey, and the assembled villagers. As Raphael vents his fury against Mildew, Treadway counsels him to pursue legal action rather than direct revenge. Treadway begins to fall in love with Scribonia as he continues to counsel legal action against Mildew and Sarleboys. Later, the Clown returns with Raphael and Treadway, confirming the discovery of Palestra's true identity as Mirabel and that John Ashburne will consent to Raphael's marriage to Palestra/Mirabel. Treadway also asks Raphael to speak to Scribonia about his love for her. Treadway joins Raphael as he is reunited with Mirabel, and reminds Raphael of his promise. John Ashburne allows Treadway to woo and marry Scribonia if she will accept him, which she does. Treadway agrees to go to London with Scribonia/Winifred and the others. The departure of the Ashburne brothers, Raphael, Mirabel, Treadway, and Winifred is delayed, however, by the resolution of Friar John's murder amongst the Sherrif, the Abbot, Friar Richard, the Duke of Averne and Dennis.

WINIFRED
The true name of Scribonia, one of Mildew's prostitutes and companion to Palestra. It is eventually revealed that she is Thomas Ashburne's long-lost daughter. See SCRIBONIA, above.

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