Shackerley Marmion (1603-39) was a follower of Ben Jonson whose work was popular at Charles I's court. This was his third dramatic piece, the plot turning on the credulity of an old collector of antiquities, Veterano. It is said to have been revived for two nights in 1718 on the re-establishment of the Society of Antiquaries. Scott included it in his 'Ancient British Drama' and it figured in all editions of Dodsley's 'Old Plays' (cf. DNB, pp. 1076-77).