ABSTRACT

The problem in considering Contemplacio is to know what text is appropriately his. Unfortunately, a necessary preliminary to establishing Contemplacio's text is establishing the existence of the play of which he is a defining part, and the first remarks are directed at the peculiar nature of the N.Town manuscript and the compiler who created it. The play on the early life of A. Mary is made up of five episodes: the Conception of Mary; her Presentation in the Temple; her Marriage to Joseph; the Parliament of Heaven and the Annunciation; and the Visit to Elizabeth, or, as described by Contemplacio. The most worthwhile comparison is with Poeta in the Conversion of St Paul. Poeta's role is much more like Contemplacio's. He remains incognito and contains the action by introducing and rounding off the play as well as appearing within the action to move it forward.