The Elder Brother The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)

A bright, fast‑moving comedy set in the world of a well‑to‑do household, the play opens with Lord Lewis urging his headstrong daughter Angellina to keep up her health through a brisk walk. Their exchange crackles with affectionate teasing, hinting at a family dynamic where love, duty and inheritance are constantly negotiated. Angellina’s lively spirit and the presence of witty servants and eager courtiers set the stage for a series of playful rivalries and romantic missteps.

The elder brother, a figure of both respect and impatience, becomes the focal point of a charming tug‑of‑war as various suitors and friends weave through schemes of money, reputation and affection. The dialogue sparkles with the clever wordplay and gentle satire that Beaumont and Fletcher are known for, offering listeners a glimpse into early‑17th‑century society while keeping the humor firmly grounded in timeless human foibles.