Thomas Middleton - The Roaring Girl: "Good, happy, swift; there's gunpowder i'th' court, Wildfire at midnight in this heedless fury."

Born in London in 1580, Thomas Middleton faced early adversity with his father's death and a lengthy legal battle over his inheritance. He gained notoriety as a playwright in the early 17th century, engaging in the "War of the Theatres" and collaborating with Thomas Dekker on works like "The Roaring Girl." His solo efforts included the acclaimed "A Chaste Maid in Cheapside." Appointed chronologer of London in 1620, he produced notable plays until his controversial "A Game at Chess" was suppressed. Middleton passed away in 1627, leaving a legacy of significant contributions to English drama.