University of Virginia Library

Prologue.

Candid spectators, you that are invited
Tô see the Lilly and the Rose united;
Consider that this Comedy of ours,
A Nosegay is compos'd of sundry flowers.
Which we selected with some small expence
Of time, to please each one that hath a sence:
But if this glorious Cynicke crowne containes
A head that wants a competence of braines,
We could desire his absence, and be glad
That one more wise his seat or standing had:
Because experience shewes that such as he,
The greatest enemies to science be:
For what the Noddy cannot understand,
He will seeke to disparage underhand,
Branding eternall lines with blacke disgrace,
Because they doe his numbers smothe surpasse.
For this bold Criticke would have the world know it,
That he no small foole is, though a small Poet.
But with Icarean wings, why strives he thus,
To mount Parnassus tops with Pegasus?
When 'tis most meet that he with Asses meeke,
His pasture at the Mountaines feet should seeke,
On thistles wilde, and brakes there let him knabble,
While Pegasus does make the skies his stable.
But you (iudicious friends) that well discry
The strength and worth of noble Poesie;
That can discreetly iudge of what is done,
We crave your favour and attention,
And shall applaud the fortune of our Muse,
If ought worth your acceptance we produce.