University of Virginia Library


94

The Prologue.

The Divell is an Asse. That is, to day,
The name of what you are met for, a new Play.
Yet, Grandee's, would you were not come to grace
Our matter, with allowing vs no place.
Though you presume Satan a subtill thing,
And may haue heard hee's worne in a thumbe-ring;
Doe not on these presumptions, force vs act,
In compasse of a cheese-trencher. This tract
Will ne'er admit our vice, because of yours.
Anone, who, worse then you, the fault endures
That your selues make? when you will thrust and spurne,
And knocke vs o'the elbowes, and bid, turne;
As if, when wee had spoke, wee must be gone,
Or, till wee speake, must all runne in, to one,
Like the young adders, at the old ones mouth?
Would wee could stand due North; or had no South,
If that offend; or were Muscouy glasse,
That you might looke our Scenes through as they passe,
We know not how to affect you. If you'll come
To see new Playes, pray you affoord vs roome,
And shew this, but the same face you haue done
Your deare delight, the Diuell of Edmunton.
Or, if, for want of roome it must mis-carry,
'Twill be but Iustice, that your censure tarry,
Till you giue some. And when sixe times you ha' seen't,
If this Play doe not like, the Diuell is in't.