"A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 03" by William Carew Hazlitt is a compilation of classic theatrical works that highlights the evolution of English drama. Published in the late 19th century, this collection features plays that encapsulate moral themes and societal reflections from earlier periods, making it a significant resource for those interested in the development of English literature and theater. The opening portion introduces significant characters like the Prologue, Pervese Doctrine, and New Custom, and sets the stage for a dialogical exploration of themes central to morality and religious perspectives. The beginning of this collection opens with a prologue that emphasizes the importance of discernment in understanding various beliefs, suggesting a critique of contemporary religious practices and doctrines. The first play featured, "New Custom," introduces characters representing differing ideologies, such as Pervese Doctrine and New Custom, in a conversation that reveals tensions between old and new religious interpretations. The dialogue raises concerns over ignorance and the struggle for truth, with characters debating the merits and follies of their beliefs, thereby establishing a foundation for the themes that will permeate throughout the collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)