No perfectly certain source of this play has been discovered. Events in some respects similar to those of the tragedy are said to have taken place in Normandy in 1603. An account of them is given by the chronicler Pierre Matthieu in his Histoire de France et des Chases Memorables . . . , published in Paris, 1606. The story is retold by Francois de Rosset in Les Histoires Tragiques de Nostre Tempi. It is the fifth tale in the second edition, 1615 ; the seventh in the edition of 1619. Wolff declares outright that Ford took his plot from this source. (See John Forde ein Nachahmer Shakespeare's, page 8). But Koeppel approves Dyce's observation that "though Ford may probably have read it, there are no particular resemblances between it and the play." (See Koeppel's Quellen-Studien, page 180; also, Gifford-Dyce, Introduction, page xxx.)
A great part of the Shakespearean influence which Wolff attempted to trace in this play is purely imaginary. It is not difficult, however, to see a certain general likeness between Friar Bonaventura and Friar Laurence, and — to a less degree — between other characters of 'Tis Pity and Romeo and Juliet.
****
Author's Dedication:
TO THE TRUELY NOBLE,
JOHN
EARLE OF PETERBOROUGH, LORD
MORDANT,
BARON OF TURVEY
My Lord,
Where a truth of meritt hath a generall warrant, there love is but a debt, acknowledgement a justice. Greatnesse cannot often claime virtue by inheritance; yet in this, yours appeares most eminent, for that you are not more rightly heyre to your fortunes, then glory shalbe to your memory. Sweetenesse of disposition ennobles a freedome of birth; in both, your lawfull interest adds honour to your owne name, and mercy to my presumption. Your noble allowance of these first fruites of my leasure in the action, emboldens my confidence of your as noble construction in this presentment : especially since my service must ever owe particular duty to your favours, by a particular ingagement. The gravity of the subject may easily excuse the leightnesse of the title: otherwise, I had beene a severe judge against mine owne guilt. Princes have vouchsaf't grace to trifles, offred from a purity of devotion; your Lordship may likewise please to admit into your good opinion, with these weake endeavours, the constancy of affection from the sincere lover of your deserts in honour.
JOHN FORD.
