a question, and a bit of squee

[angevin2]

I keep forgetting to mention, btw, how fabulous this discussion is, in the sense that it illustrates quite nicely what a fantastically clever flist I have.

Also that if I ever find myself editing an edition of Richard III, I'll go completely spare within about five minutes, but let that pass.

Also also, a poll! Because I have a few things lying about that are very much in need of a sporking, for the amusement of my fabulous flist and the good people at shaksper_random, and I cannot decide which one I want to do first.

The options:

• Henry V (1672), by Roger Boyle, Earl of Orrery. In this turgid rhymed drama, the battle of Agincourt happens about five minutes into it, and most of the play is devoted to a love triangle involving Henry, Katherine, and Owen Tudor. At one point Owen and Henry both agree to woo Katherine for the other one, because they're kinky like that. The Dauphin is jealous of everybody, because he has issues.
  
• Richard II (1719), adapted by Lewis Theobald. Theobald attempts to bring Shakespeare's play into compliance with neoclassical standards by setting everything within one day, in front of the Tower of London, and there is much added sentimental glop. Until the last page, in which three people die within about thirty seconds. Also, one of the tacked-on subplots is a heterosexual romance for Aumerle. I don't get it either.
  
• Vortigern (1796), William Henry Ireland's infamous forgery. Take three parts Richard III, two parts Macbeth, a handful of King Lear, and a soupçon of Richard II, mix vigorously, consume, regurgitate, and serve. Contains Crazy Britannic Incest.

NB that pretty much all of these will be sporked at some point, in all likelihood.

Poll Polishing the Spork Poll