The oldest of these pieces seems to be the amusing comedy called The Old Law. Though published very late, in 1656, as the work of Massinger, Middleton and William Rowley, the mention of the year 1599 in the dialogue of this piece seems to prove that it was composed several years before the beginning of Massinger's dramatic career. No trace of his individual style is to be discovered in the existing text. Not the slightest doubt, on the contrary, can be entertained concerning Massinger's co-operation in two other plays attributed to him and Dekker and Field respectively on the titlepages of the old prints. The Virgin Martir, in 1622, as the work of Massinger and Dekker, and, in 1632, the impressive tragedy The Fatall Dowry, assigned to him and Nathaniel Field, his old friend, the writer of the letter to Henslowe signed also by Massinger and Daborne.
Internal evidence corroborates the statements of the printers.
12 Note 1 . As to the probable shares of Massinger and Fletcher respectively in the dramas in which they collaborated, see appendix to Chap.