The Old Law is a play written by Thomas Middleton, first performed in 1599. The play is set in Athens and follows the story of Simonides, a wealthy Athenian who has been living in Syria for 20 years. Simonides returns to Athens with his daughter, and discovers that his wife has died and his son has become a wasteful and immoral young man. Simonides decides to take action and sets out to reform his son and the corrupt society around him. He enlists the help of a group of young men, who are also disillusioned with the state of Athens, and together they create a new law that will bring justice and morality back to the city. However, the new law is met with resistance from the corrupt ruling class, and Simonides and his allies are forced to fight for their vision of a better society. The Old Law is a satirical commentary on the corruption and decadence of Elizabethan society, and a call for reform and morality.ANTIGONA To what end, sir? The bell of this sharp edict tolls for me As it rings out for you. I’ll be as ready, With one hour’s stay, to go along with you.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.