 | Wit in A Constable |  |
The PROLOGUE.
You need not feare me Gentlemen, althoughI come thus arm'd; tis but to let you know
I am in office; in my owne defence,
And to secure me from the violence,
Which might from you (who now my Iudges sit)
Be off'red to this Trophee of my wit:
And cause I know that you will obay
Authority, I doe charge you, like the Play:
Thinke who I am, how often I may catch
You at ill houres in Tavernes, or ith' Watch;
In Fraies sometimes; nay sometimes (not to trench
Too much upon you) with a pretty wench.
All this is possible, and Gentlemen,
Consider how my rage will use you then,
Jf you should now, as sure tis worth your feare,
Be in the censure of my wit seuere,
Vext I'me implacable; and though the Tribe
Of Constables doe us't, Ile take no bribe
To let you passe: These sturdy knaves will take
Not the least mercy on you for my sake:
Nor will the Iustice free you: (to your smart)
You'le find, he and his Clarke will take my part.
I can but gently warne you to prevent
A danger, nay a certaine punishment,
Should you dislike: for if the Play doe fall
Vnder your votes, Ile apprehend you all.
| Wit in A Constable | |