The Biter

The Biter is a 1704 play by the English writer Nicholas Rowe. Rowe was better known for his tragedies but chose to try his hand at comedy. Performed at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, it was not a great success and lasted for about six performances. It was overshadowed by the more popular "The Careless Husband" by Colley Cibber, which appeared at the Drury Lane Theatre. It was Rowe's only play in a contemporary setting, and he rapidly turned back to historical tragedies beginning with "Ulysses" (1705).
Some sources reported Rowe defiantly and loudly laughing at the jokes during a performance, even while nobody else did.
Synopsis.
At a country fair taking place near Croydon, the wealthy merchant Sir Timothy Tallapoy has arranged marriages for both himself and his daughter Angelica. However Angelica is really in love with another man, who also arrives at the fair pursued by Lady Stale an amorous, older widow.