
A sparkling comedy from the early 1700s, this play unfolds over a brisk three‑hour window in which a newlywed couple’s vows are put to the test by a parade of meddling friends, witty misunderstandings, and sharp social commentary. The dialogue crackles with the same lively cadence that made its creators famous, offering a glimpse into the manners and marital anxieties of Georgian London while keeping the humor firmly rooted in human folly.
The work’s collaborative spirit shines through, blending the clever verse of a poet, the satirical edge of a moralist, and the theatrical flair of a humorist. Though its reputation has drifted into obscurity, listeners will discover a deftly paced farce that balances bawdy jokes with a surprisingly tender look at love’s early trials. The first act sets the stage for a series of escalating confusions that promise both laughter and a gentle critique of society’s expectations.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (156K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2011-10-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1667–1735
A sharp-witted Scottish doctor, satirist, and scholar, he moved easily between medicine, mathematics, and literature in early 18th-century London. Best remembered now for his friendship with writers like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, he also helped shape the enduring English character John Bull.
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1685–1732
Best known for writing The Beggar’s Opera, this sharp, witty poet and dramatist helped turn 18th-century satire into popular entertainment. His work mixed humor, music, and social bite in ways that still feel lively today.
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1688–1744
A master of wit and balance, this English poet turned sharp observation into some of the most memorable lines in literature. His verse helped define the Augustan age, blending elegance, satire, and a piercing sense of human nature.
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