 | The Custome of the Countrey |  |
Another Prologue for the Custome of the Countrey. For my Sonne Clarke.
Wee wish, if it were possible, you knewWhat we would give for this nights looke, if new?
It being our ambition to delight
Our kinde spectators with what's good, and right.
Yet so farre know, and credite me, 'twas made
By such, as were held work-men in their Trade,
At a time too, when they as I divine,
Were truly merrie, and dranke lusty wine.
The nectar of the Muses; Some are here
I dare presume, to whom it did appeare.
A well-drawne piece, which gave a lawfull birth
To passionate Scœnes mixt with no vulgar mirth.
But unto such to whom 'tis knowne by fame
From others, perhaps only by the name.
I am a suitor, that they would prepare
Sound palats, and then judge their bill of fare.
It were injustice to decry this now
For being like'd before, you may allow
(Your candor safe) what's taught in the olde schooles,
All such as liv'd before you, were not fooles.
| The Custome of the Countrey | |