David Lindsay
A SATIRE OF THE THREE ESTATES
The sections of this play have historically been assigned separate titles as follows:
a. THE POOR MAN AND THE PARDONDER
b. THE THREE VICES OVERCOME TRUTH AND CHASTITY
c. THE SERMON OF FOLLY
d. THE PUNISHMENT OF THE VICES
e. HUMANITY AND SENSUALITY
f. AULD MAN AND HIS WIFE
g. FLATTERY, DECEIT, AND FALSEHOOD MISLEAD KING HUMANITY
6 January 1540 (first version: manuscript version, description only. Performed before James V at Linlithgow)
7 June 1540 (second version: manuscript version, extracts only. Performed before James V at Castle Hill, Cupar, Fifeshire)
12 August 1540 (third version: complete. Performed before James V at Calton Hill, Edinburgh)
a synoptic, alphabetical character list
ABBOT
Seated among the Spirituality, he rejects Chastity and welcomes Lady Sensuality. In the Second Part, he advises the Bishop to charge the Parliament, which is debating ways to reform the church and end simony, with heresy. Under examination, he admits his corruption, and, along with the rest of the Spirituality, is exposed by Flattery and stripped of his ecclesiastical robes, revealing the motley beneath.
BISHOP
Seated among the Spirituality, he rejects Chastity and welcomes Lady Sensuality. In the Second Part, he denies all charges against it, but when told to consult St. Paul regarding church government, he admits he cannot read. All his objections to the reformations proposed by John the Commonweal and seconded by the Temporality and Burgesses are in vain. Under examination, he admits his corruption, and, along with the rest of the Spirituality, is exposed by Flattery and stripped of his ecclesiastical robes, revealing the motley beneath.
BURGESSES
Also referred to as the Merchants, a group representing the Third Estate of Scotland. They process onto the stage at the beginning of the play and remain there as auditors throughout, exiting during the interlude between the parts. The Merchant sits among them. When they re-enter for the Second Part, they are led by Falset and Deceit and walk backwards. When John the Commonweal addresses the Parliament with suggestions for strengthening the Commonwealth, and Divine Correction orders the Three Estates to control thievery of all kinds, they vow to cooperate and welcome John the Commonweal among them.
CHASTITY
Enters the King's court lamenting her recent estrangement from the King. Directed by Diligence to sit with the Spirituality, she is rejected by them. She then approaches the Temporality and the Burgesses, who also reject her. She finally approaches the Common People, and is welcomed with libations by the Soutar and Tailor. Lady Sensuality sees her and asks King Humanity to banish her from court; she is put into the stocks with Verity. She is released by Divine Correction and joins King Humanity's court. In the Second Part, she (along with Verity) begs the Parliament to chastise the Spirituality for rejecting her.
COMMON PEOPLE
Also called the Poor People, a group representing the artisans and other commoners. They stand at the edge of the stage, probably in the audience. The Soutar, Tailor, Soutar's Wife, Tailor's Wife, and Jennie are among them.
COMMON THEFT
Also referred to as "Theft." He runs into the Parliament while evading capture and is arrested by the Sergeants and hanged.
COVETICE
Attends the Spirituality in the Second Part and, when the Three Vices are put in the stocks, he sneaks away.
DANGER
An attendant on Lady Sensuality. Her name means "coyness." She attends Lady Sensuality to King Humanity's court and enjoys the revelry with his courtiers, but is banished along with her mistress and sits with her among the Spirtuality.
DECEIT
One of the Three Vices or fools in the court of King Humanity. He and the other two fools disguise themselves to avoid the censure of Good Counsel and Divine Correction. Deceit chooses the guise of a priest and, in a mock baptism, the name Discretion. Gaining access to the King, he and the other two Vices chase Good Counsel away from court, and put Verity and Chastity in the stocks. Hearing of the approach of Divine Correction, he resolves to hide among the Burgesses. He fights with the other two Vices over possession of the King's stolen treasure box. In the second part, when John the Common-weal identifies the Three Vices as the cause of this evil, he is put in the stocks. Betrayed by Flattery, he is hanged along with Falset.
DEVOTION
The false name assumed by Flattery while disguised as a friar.
DILIGENCE
King Humanity's herald, he introduces the Three Estates and the argument of the play. Directs Chastity to sit with the Spirituality, who reject her. He informs Divine Correction, upon his arrival, of his failure to protect the King from Lady Sensuality and the courtiers. He calls a Parliament of the Three Estates at King Humanity's order, inviting the audience to drink during the interval. His introduction of Part Two is interrupted by the Poor Man, and Diligence allows him to plead his case. He directs the Parliamentary proceedings throughout the Second Part.
DISCRETION
The false name assumed by Deceit while disguised as a priest.
DIVINE CORRECTION
Also referred to as "King Correction" in the Second Part. Arrives at King Humanity's court and orders that Chastity and Verity be released from the stocks. Confronting King Humanity, he informs him that his authority comes directly from God, and orders him to banish Lady Sensuality. He then admonishes and pardons the courtiers, Solace, Wantonness, and Placebo, ordering them to tempt the king to none but appropriate pleasures such as singing, chess, hawking, etc. He and King Humanity will henceforth reign jointly. In the Second Part, he interrogates the Three Estates to discover why they are "backwards." When John the Common-weal identifies the Three Vices as the cause of this evil, he orders them put in the stocks. He invites John the Commonweal to address the Parliament with suggestions for strengthening the Commonwealth, and orders the Three Estates to control thievery of all kinds. He orders the Spirituality despoiled.
DOCTOR of DIVINITY
Assists Good Counsel in examining the Spirituality by interpreting Scripture.
DOCTOR of LAWS
Assists Good Counsel in examining the Spirituality be interpreting ecclesiastical law.
FALSET
Or Falsehood, one of the Three Vices or fools in the court of King Humanity. He and the other two fools disguise themselves to avoid the censure of Good Counsel and Divine Correction. Falset chooses the guise of a monk and, in a mock baptism, the name Sapience. Gaining access to the King, he and the other two Vices chase Good Counsel away from court, and put Verity and Chastity in the stocks. Hearing of the approach of Divine Correction, he resolves to hide among the Burgesses. He fights with the other two Vices over possession of the King's stolen treasure box. In the second part, when John the Common-weal identifies the Three Vices as the cause of this evil, he is put in the stocks. Betrayed by Flattery, he is hanged along with Deceit.
SERGEANT, FIRST and SECOND
Two Sergeants. They enforce the commands of the Parliament and hang the Thief, Deceit, and Falset.
FLATTERY
One of the Three Vices or fools in the court of King Humanity. He and the other two fools disguise themselves to avoid the censure of Good Counsel and Divine Correction; Flattery chooses the guise of a friar/Pardoner and, in a mock baptism, the name Devotion. Gaining access to the King, he and the other two Vices chase Good Counsel away from court, and put Verity and Chastity in the stocks. Hearing of the approach of Divine Correction, he resolves to hide among the Spirituality. He fights with the other two Vices over possession of the King's stolen treasure box. In the second part, when John the Common-weal identifies the Three Vices as the cause of this evil, he is put in the stocks. Identified as the root of church corruption during the Parliament's examination of the Spirituality, his disguise is stripped off and he is brought to the gallows. He betrays Deceit and Falset, insisting they be hanged as well. After they are hanged, he boasts of his hypocrisy, and escapes, apparently into the audience.
FUND–JONET
A bawd, attendant on Lady Sensuality. Her name translates to "Foundling-Janet," a reference to her practice of turning orphan girls to prostitution. She attends Lady Sensuality to King Humanity's court and enjoys the revelry with his courtiers, but is banished along with her mistress and sits with her among the Spirituality.
GOOD COUNSEL
Enters during King Humanity's tryst with Lady Sensuality to complain that he has been banished from Scottish courts for many years. He plans to hang around the court until he can take the opportunity to be useful. He attempts to approach the King, but is chased out by the three Vices. When Divine Correction, his master, enters the court, he greets him joyfully and pleads for the release of Verity and Chastity. King Humanity, informed that his advisors (Sapience, Discretion, and Devotion) were really the Vices in disguise, asks Good Counsel how to avoid making such mistakes in future; Good Counsel advises him to study the Chronicles and profit by the examples of other princes. In the Second Part, he mediates between John the Common-weal and the Three Estates, advising and judging. He suggests rewarding John the Common-weal with a fine suit of clothes.
HAMELINESS
An attendant on Lady Sensuality. Her name means "familiarity." She attends Lady Sensuality to King Humanity's court and enjoys the revelry with his courtiers, but is banished along with her mistress and sits with her among the Spirituality.
HERALDS
Assistants to Diligence.
JENNIE
The Tailor's daughter. She informs her mother, the Tailor's Wife, that she has seen the Tailor drinking with a "fair young maiden," not realizing the maiden is Chastity.
JOHN THE COMMON–WEAL
Appears before King Humanity's Parliament to accuse the Three Estates of neglecting the public welfare in their "backwardness." He identifies the Three Vices as the cause of this evil. Invited to address the Parliament of the Three Estates, he (seconded by the Poor Man) requests that they control common thieves, beggars, and vagabonds, and especially corrupt monks and friars. Welcomed among the Temporality and the Burgesses, he then complains against the excesses of Church taxation, again seconded by the Poor Man. Accused of heresy by the Abbot, he recites the creed but refuses to express faith in the bishops and friars. He then suggests reforming the ecclesiastical court and accuses the Spirituality of simony. After the expulsion of the Spirituality, he is rewarded by Good Counsel and Divine Correction with a beautiful suit of clothes, and is received into the Parliament.
KING CORRECTION
Also referred to as "Divine Correction" in the Second Part. Arrives at King Humanity's court and orders that Chastity and Verity be released from the stocks. Confronting King Humanity, he informs him that his authority comes directly from God, and orders him to banish Lady Sensuality. He then admonishes and pardons the courtiers, Solace, Wantonness, and Placebo, ordering them to tempt the king to none but appropriate pleasures such as singing, chess, hawking, etc. He and King Humanity will henceforth reign jointly. In the Second Part, he interrogates the Three Estates to discover why they are "backwards." When John the Common-weal identifies the Three Vices as the cause of this evil, he orders them put in the stocks. He invites John the Commonweal to address the Parliament with suggestions for strengthening the Commonwealth, and orders the Three Estates to control thievery of all kinds. He orders the Spirituality despoiled.
KING HUMANITY
A young monarch, initially pious and sincere. When he sees Lady Sensuality, however, he is overcome with desire and sends Solace and Wantonness to woo her with rich gifts. Learning of her willingness, he begs his courtiers to teach him the arts of love, and makes love to Lady Sensuality when she arrives at court. Asked by Lady Sensuality to banish Chastity, he complies and has her put into the stocks with Verity, and goes to sleep in Sensuality's arms. Awakened by Divine Correction, he submits to his authority and welcomes Good Counsel, Verity, and Chastity as his courtiers in place of the banished Sensuality, Solace, Placebo, and Wantonness. He orders Diligence to call up a parliament of the Three Estates. Informed that his advisors (Sapience, Discretion, and Devotion) were really the Vices in disguise, he asks Good Counsel to help him avoid making such mistakes in future. He and Divine Correction begin to reign jointly. In the Second Part, King Humanity and King Correction examine the Three Estates to discover why they have become "backward."
LADY SENSUALITY
A noblewoman attended by Hameliness, Danger, and Fund-Jonet. She becomes King Humanity's paramour. Catching sight of Chastity near the court, she asks the King to banish her. When she (Sensuality) is in turn banished by Divine Correction, she cheerfully takes her place among "Rome," or the Spirituality. She attends the Spirituality in the Second Part and, when the Three Vices are put in the stocks, she is chased away and sits with the Poor People. When the despoiled prelates come to her for protection, she rejects them.
LORD
Speaking for the Temporality, he and the Merchant ask Good Counsel to help them find a way to improve the commonwealth. When John the Commonweal addresses the Parliament with suggestions for strengthening the Commonwealth, and Divine Correction orders the Three Estates to control thievery of all kinds, he offers the Temporality's cooperation.
MERCHANT
Speaking for the Burgesses, he and the Lord ask Good Counsel to help them find a way to improve the commonwealth. Supported by the Temporality, he accuses the Spirituality of simony.
PARDONER
The disguise of Flattery, with the assumed name of Sir Robert Rome-raker. Introducing himself, he offers the audience relics of Scottish heroes. He sells a pardon to the Poor Man, but is chased away when the Poor Man realizes that the pardon takes effect only after death.
PARSON
Seated among the Spirituality, he rejects Chastity and welcomes Lady Sensuality. When John the Common-Weal accuses the Spirituality of oppression and corruption, he singles out the Parson as the chief offender. Under examination, he admits his corruption, and, along with the rest of the Spirituality, is exposed by Flattery and stripped of his ecclesiastical robes, revealing the motley beneath.
PLACEBO
One of King Humanity's courtiers, his name means "I will please." Along with Solace and Wantonness, he recommends that the King begin an affair with Lady Sensuality. He and the other courtiers encourage the King to indulge in ceaseless sexual activity and drinking, but are admonished when Divine Correction arrives, and promise to engage only in lawful pleasures henceforth.
POOR MAN
In an interlude prior to Part Two, Poor Man interrupts Diligence and demands the chance to plead his case. He complains of the poverty he suffers and blames it on the church, which has seized his cattle upon the deaths of his father, mother, and wife. He intends to use his last coin to hire a lawyer, but Diligence warns him that no law can order the church. He purchases a pardon from the Pardoner, but is incensed to learn that the pardon takes effect only after death, and drives away the Pardoner. Invited to address the Parliament of the Three Estates, he supports John the Common-weal's request that they control common thieves, beggars, and vagabonds, and especially corrupt monks and friars.
POOR PEOPLE
Also referred to as the Common People, they sit at the front edge of stage, probably as part of the audience.
PRIORESS
Seated among the Spirituality, she rejects Chastity. In the Second Part, under examination, she admits her corruption, is stripped by the Sergeants, revealing her secular dress, and is banished.
PUBLIC OPPRESSION
Another of Flattery's alternative titles.
SAPIENCE
The false name assumed by Falset while disguised as a monk.
SCRIBE
Records the proceedings of the Parliament and participates in interrogating the Spirituality.
SIR ROBERT ROME–RAKER
The false name that Flattery assumes in his disguise as a Pardoner.
SOLACE
One of King Humanity's courtiers, he makes his first appearance drunk, and describes Lady Sensuality to the King. His first name is "Sandy." Along with Placebo and Wantonness, he recommends that the King begin an affair with Lady Sensuality. He and the other courtiers encourage the King to indulge in ceaseless sexual activity and drinking, but are admonished when Divine Correction arrives, and promise to engage only in lawful pleasures henceforth.
SOUTAR
A Cobbler who welcomes Chastity to sit among the Common People and drink with them. In an interlude between the Parts, the Pardoner sells him a divorce from his shrewish wife, in an obscene ceremony involving the kissing of one another's arses.
SOUTAR'S WIFE
Hearing that her husband is drinking with Chastity, she becomes jealous, threatens Chastity, and chases her husband from the stage. In an interlude between the Parts, the Pardoner sells her a divorce from her husband, in an obscene ceremony involving the kissing of one another's arses.
SPIRITUALITY
Also referred to as the Spiritual Estate or the Prelates, a group representing the First Estate of Scotland, the clergy. They process onto the stage at the beginning of the play and remain there as auditors throughout, exiting during the interlude between the parts. The Bishop, Prioress, Abbot and Parson sit among them. When they re-enter for the Second Part, they are led by Covetice and Lady Sensuality and walk backwards. Examined by the Parliament and ultimately accused by Flattery, they are all stripped of their ecclesiastical robes, revealing the motley beneath, and exposed as fools.
TAILOR
Welcomes Chastity to sit among the Common People and drink with them.
TAILOR'S WIFE
Hearing that her husband is drinking with Chastity, she becomes jealous, threatens Chastity, and chases her husband from the stage.
TEMPORALITY
Also referred to as the Lords, a group representing the Second Estate of Scotland, the barons. They process onto the stage at the beginning of the play and remain there as auditors throughout, exiting during the interlude between the parts. The Lord sits among them. When they re-enter for the Second Part, they are led by Public Oppression, or Flattery, and walk backwards. When John the Commonweal addresses the Parliament with suggestions for strengthening the Commonwealth, and Divine Correction orders the Three Estates to control thievery of all kinds, they vow to cooperate and welcome John the Commonweal among them.
VARLET
Servant to Divine Correction, he announces his master's approach to King Humanity's court.
VERITY
A Puritan maid who carries the Holy Bible with her, she expects her usual welcome at King Humanity's court, but is accused of Heresy by the three Vices and put in the stocks. She is released by Divine Correction and joins King Humanity's court. In the Second Part, she (along with Chastity) begs the Parliament to chastise the Spirituality for rejecting her.
WANTONNESS
One of King Humanity's courtiers. Along with Placebo and Solace, he recommends that the King begin an affair with Lady Sensuality. While wooing the Lady for the King, he claims Hameliness for his paramour. He and the other courtiers encourage the King to indulge in ceaseless sexual activity and drinking, but are admonished when Divine Correction arrives, and promise to engage only in lawful pleasures henceforth.
WILKIN WIDDIEFOW
The Pardoner's Boy, whose last name means "gallows-bird." He collects false relics for the Pardoner and arranges his lodgings with local prostitutes.