"Choice, Chance and Change" (1606) or Glimpses of "Merry England": In the Olden Time

From the INTRODUCTION. IN my Memorial-Introduction to the Works of NICHOLAS BRETON I thus wrote: - "An anonymous book that internally seems out-and-out Bretonese is the following: - "Choice, Chance and Change: or Conceits in their Colours." 1606. As I read and re-read this singularly brilliant and unforgettable manners-painting book, I felt here was the 'fine Roman hand' of Breton. But seeing that there is no external authority for giving it to him, I reluctantly decided not to include it among his Works, but rather perhaps find a place for it among my Occasional Issues." (Vol. i., pp. lxxiii-iv.) I still think that there are phrases and turns of expression and allusions and recurring words, that point to Breton as the author of Choice, Chance, and Change. But I am bound to add, that the general style is less formed and the specific wording less finished than Breton's; while the playing on - Will of Wit and other well-known phrases (pp. 29, 32, 50) may be accounted for by his popularity and influence on the Writer. It is assigned to Breton in the BODLEIAN CATALOGUE; but without an authority being given.