University of Virginia Library

The Prologue to GRIM the Collier of CROYDON.

You're Well-come: but our Plot I dare not tell yee,
For fear I fright a Lady with great belly:
Or should a Scold be 'mong you, I durst say,
Shee'd make more work, then th'Devil, in the Play.
Heard you not never how an Actor's wife,
Whom he fond fool, lov'd dearly as his life,
Coming in's way did chance to get a jape,
As he was 'tired in his Devil's shape,
And how aquivocal a generation
Was then begot, and brought forth thereupon?
Let it not fright you; this I dare to say,
Here is no lecherous Devil in our Play.
He will nor rumple Peg, nor Joan, nor Nan,
But ha's enough at home to do with Marian;
Whom he so little pleases; she in scorn
Doth teach his Devilship to wind the Horn.
But if your children cry when Robin comes,
You may to still them buy here Pears or Plums.
Then sit you quiet all, who are come in,
St. Dunstan will soon enter, and begin.