*p1696 06 00 lif Love's a Jest. Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mr Bowen in a Riding-Dress; The Epilogue-Underhil, Bowen; Gypsies-Mr Mynns; Lord Lovewel-Hodgson; Sir Thom^as^Gaymood-Freeman; Sam Gaymood-Bowen; Railmore-Betterton; Airy-Bowman; Sir Topewel Clownish-Underhil; Squire Illbred-Trefusis; Humphrey Doddipole-Trout; Humdrum-Eldred; Major Buff-Harris; Plot-Bright; Frankly-Bailey; Lady Single-Mrs Barry; Kitty-Mrs Howard; Francilia-Mrs Bowtell; Christina-Mrs Bracegirdle; Doll Hoyden-Mrs Perrin.*c1696 06 00 lif <i>Betterton's Company</i>. The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the <i>Post Man</i>, 7-9 July 1696, suggests that it was first presented not later than June 1696. The cast also has a large number of relatively new players, suggesting a performance in the early summer, when the young actors had more opportunities to act. Several Songs, with the names of the singers, were published separately: <i>Hark you, madam, can't I move you</i>, set by $John Eccles=, and sung by $Bowman= and $Mrs Bracegirdle=; <i>Shou'd I not lead a happy life</i>, set by John Eccles and sung by $Reading= and $M. Lee=; <i>From Aberdeen to Edinburgh</i>, set by $Ackeroyd= and sung by $Mrs Hudson=; all in <i>Deliciae Musicae</i>, The Second Book of the Second Volume, 1696. Preface, Edition of 1696: I am almost asham'd to mention the extraordinary Success of a Play which I myself must condemn....Let me leave this ungrateful Subject to acknowledge my obligations to Mr John Eccles, who not only set my three Dialogues to most charming Notes, but honour'd the Words to Admiration. $Downes=, <i>Roscius Anglicanus</i>, p. 44: <i>Love's a Jest</i>, a Comedy, done by $Mr Mateox=; succeeded well, being well Acted, and got the Company Reputation and Money.