The Wild Gallant

The Wild Gallant is a Restoration comedy written by John Dryden. It was Dryden's earliest play, and written in prose, except for the prologue, and the epilogue, which are in verse. It was premiered on the stage by the King's Company at their Vere Street theatre, formerly Gibbon's Tennis Court, on February 5, 1663. (The play's opening scene is a prologue that features a pair of astrologers drawing horoscopes on the play's fortunes for that date.) As Dryden himself stated in his Preface, it was "the first attempt I made in Dramatique Poetry."

Volume VIII contains three of Dryden's Plays, along with accompanying scholarly appartus: Wild Gallant, Rival Ladies, and Indian Queen.

"The Wild Gallant" by John Dryden is a comedic play that satirizes the manners and customs of 17th-century English society. Written early in Dryden's career, this play showcases his talent for witty dialogue, sharp social commentary, and lively characterizations. Set in Restoration-era London, "The Wild Gallant" follows the escapades of its titular character, Captain Manly, a rakish and reckless young man who revels in his wild and unconventional lifestyle. Despite his charms, Manly's behavior often lands him in trouble, leading to a series of humorous misadventures and romantic entanglements. At the heart of the play is the clash between Manly's freewheeling spirit and the rigid social norms of his time. Through Manly's interactions with a colorful cast of characters, including his love interest, Clarinda, and various members of the upper class, Dryden offers a biting critique of the hypocrisy and pretensions of Restoration society. "The Wild Gallant" is characterized by its clever wordplay, witty repartee, and irreverent humor. While not as well-known as some of Dryden's later works, such as "All for Love" or "Absalom and Achitophel," this early play offers valuable insights into the development of Dryden's comedic style and his keen understanding of human nature. With its lively plot, colorful characters, and sharp wit, "The Wild Gallant" remains a testament to Dryden's skill as a playwright and his enduring relevance as a satirist of English society during the Restoration period.