A Chaste Maid in Cheapside

A Chaste Maid in Cheapside Summary | Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

The play opens with Maudlin lecturing her daughter, Moll, on her faults as a woman. Maudlin tells Moll that at her age, Maudlin was pregnant, two years before she married. Maudlin believes that Moll needs to work harder to attract the attentions of a worthy knight. Yellowhammer enters his goldsmith shop and asks his wife, Maudlin, what she is doing. Maudlin tells him that she is lecturing their daughter about her faults. Yellowhammer reminds Maudlin that she isn't one to criticize because she, too, has many faults.

Yellowhammer and Maudlin discuss the impending arrival of a knight named Sir Walter Whorehound. The Yellowhammers have arranged the marriage of Moll to Sir Walter. Sir Walter is also bringing his wealthy niece to wed their son, Tim. Maudlin and Yellowhammer are excited at the prospect of gaining a wealthy daughter-in-law who is a devoted, genteel virgin, suitable for a gentleman like their son.

Soon Sir Walter Whorehound; a Welsh Gentlewoman; and Davy Dahumma arrive. The Welsh Gentlewoman, presented by Sir Walter as his niece, is to marry the Yellowhammers' son. Under his breath, Sir Walter tells the Welsh Gentlewoman that she must pass as a virgin; Davy Dahumma remarks sarcastically that this may prove difficult, since she is Sir Walter's mistress.

Sir Walter tries to speak to Moll, but she flees the room in fright. Maudlin makes excuses for her daughter's behavior. Eventually Moll returns to the room as Touchwood Junior arrives. Touchwood Junior slips Moll a note when no one is looking. He tells Moll to read the note and to send him her response in three words.

Yellowhammer asks Touchwood Junior how he can assist him. Touchwood Junior asks the goldsmith to make a wedding ring for him. The ring is to be for a gentlewoman he intends to marry. When Yellowhammer asks for his bride's ring size, Touchwood states that he doesn't know, but that Moll appears to have the same size finger. Yellowhammer remarks that his daughter is no gentlewoman. Touchwood Junior disagrees and asks for Moll's finger. Yellowhammer asks Touchwood Junior if he wants an inscription in the ring. Touchwood Junior would like the ring to be inscribed, "Love that's wise, blinds parents' eyes."

Yellowhammer thinks the inscription is odd; he says that Touchwood Junior is crazy if he thinks that he can steal a daughter from under the watchful eyes of her parents. Touchwood Junior mutters under his breath that then Yellowhammer is doomed, for he will soon steal Yellowhammer's daughter from under his very nose. Yellowhammer, however, is too focused on making the ring sale to notice Touchwood Junior's clues. The goldsmith promises delivery of the ring for the next day. As Touchwood Junior leaves, Moll silently wishes that she could leave with him.