The City Bride (1696)

The play centers around Sir Timothy Treat-All a rich but foolish city knight who is determined to marry off his daughter Miranda to a man of financial means. However Miranda has already fallen in love with Friendly a charming but less wealthy suitor. The plot unfolds as Miranda and Friendly engage in various schemes to win Sir Timothy's approval while thwarting the advances of Plausible a wealthy but undesirable suitor selected by her father. With a cast of eccentric characters including friends and servants who aid in the schemes the play humorously critiques the values of the merchant class. Characters are driven by vanity greed and the desire for social advancement with marriage treated as a business negotiation rather than a romantic union. Through misunderstandings and witty dialogue the characters navigate a series of humorous obstacles ultimately leading to a resolution where true love prevails.