Ben Jonson

“ It is further covenanted, concluded and agreed, that how great soever the expectation be, no person here, is to expect more than he knows, or better ware then a Fair will afford: neither to look back to the sword-and-bucklerage of Smithfield, but content himself with the present. ”

“ In which time the Author promiseth to present them by us, with a new sufficient Play called Bartholomew Fair, merry, and as full of noise as sport: made to delight all, and to offend none. Provided they have either the wit or the honesty to think well of themselves. ”

“ It is like to be a very conceited, scurvy one, in plain English. When 't comes to the Fair, once: you were e'en as good go to Virginia, for anything there is of Smithfield. He has not his the humors, he does not know 'em; he has not conversed with the Bartholomew-birds, as they say; he has nary a Sword-and-Bucklerman in his Fair, nor a little Davy to take toll o' the Bawds there, as in my time, nor a Kindheart, if anybody's teeth should chance to ache in his Play. ”