William Wager facts for kids

William Wager was an English writer who lived in the 1500s. He was known for writing a special kind of play called an interlude. We don't know much about his life, only the plays he wrote.

What is an Interlude?

An interlude was a short play, often funny, that was performed during breaks in longer events like feasts or banquets. They were popular in England during the 15th and 16th centuries. These plays often taught lessons about good behavior or religion.

William Wager's Plays

William Wager wrote several interludes. They often had interesting titles that gave clues about their message.

The Longer Thou Livest

One of Wager's most famous plays is called The Longer Thou Livest, the More Foole Thou Art. This play was printed around 1568. Its full title explains it's a "mirror very necessary for youth," meaning it was meant to teach young people. It was especially for those who might become important leaders.

A character in this play named Moros (which means "fool" in Greek) sings many old songs. This makes the play interesting because it gives us a peek into the music of that time.

Enough Is As Good As a Feast

Around 1570, another play by Wager was printed. It was titled Enough Is As Good As a Feast. The full title says it was "very fruitful, godly and ful of pleasant mirth." This suggests it was a play that was both fun and taught good lessons. It was designed so that "seven may easily play this enterlude," meaning it didn't need a huge cast.

The Cruell Debtor

This play, The Cruell Debtter, was given permission to be printed in 1566. Sadly, only a few pages of this play still exist today. These pages are kept in the British Museum in London. Because only fragments remain, it's hard to know the full story. However, the small pieces suggest it probably wasn't about the famous Shylock story from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.

Tis Good Sleeping In a Whole Skin

Another play, Tis Good Sleeping In a Whole Skin, was a handwritten copy. Unfortunately, it is believed to have been destroyed a long time ago. Some people think this might have been another title for The Cruell Debtter.

Other Plays Attributed to Wager

Some other plays have been thought to be written by William Wager, but it's not certain.

One is The History of the Tryall of Chevalry from 1605. Another play, Tom Tyler and his Wife, is more likely to have been written by him. This play, printed in 1661, is also full of short songs, just like The Longer Thou Livest.