Miscellaneous works of George Wither :: :: University of Virginia Library

The meaning of the Frontispice.

A trumpet sounds a parlee to this Isle,
And, over it, a Hand displayes, the while,
A Flag of Peace; that, this new Signe at doore,
May draw you in, to view a little more.
We hung it forth, that these besotted Nations
May heed the season of their Visitations;
And, grow more carefull to conforme their wayes
To what this VOICE, and their known Duty, sayes:
Though, yet, the most, our words no more have mark'd,
Then if a Cat had meaw'd, or Dog had bark'd.

You see the building; you have seen the Signe;
And, if it pleaseth you, may tast our Wine.
You view the Type, and Title, of the Play,
Our Argument, and where the Scœne we lay;
And, that, for which the Maker dearer paid,
May, when you please, for little be survai'd;
Ev'n for as little as you thinke it worth,
When he, at that low rate, can set it forth:
And, that we offer no unwholsome Wares,
Our Licence, and our Priviledge, declares.

Neglect not courtesies, when few are done;
Nor Opportunities, till they are gone:
Nor doubt your usage, though abroad you heare,
Our Authour, in reproving, is austere:
For, they who bring a well-composed minde,
In his most harsh reproofs, will mildnesse finde:
And, none have been his Adversaries, yet,
But, they, who wanted honesty, or wit.

When his owne failings have to him appear'd,
Himselfe no more then others he hath spar'd;
And, did, what, he supposeth, him became.
Let ev'ry Reader strive to do the same,
And shortly, here, in substance will be seen,
What, in this Embleme, hath but shadow'd been.