The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume VI. The Drama to 1642, Part Two.
§ 22. Marmion’s The Antiquary
A friend and companion in arms of Suckling, who died before him in 1639, was Shackerley Marmion, author of the considerable poem Cupid and Psyche. He produced three comedies before his poem, not, as we should expect, in the romantic vein, but all of them rather thin imitations of Jonson. The Antiquary is the best of these. Veterano, from whose pursuits the play is named, is an original conception; but the author fails to give him life, lacking the capacity to use the opportunity with which he has provided himself.