University of Virginia Library

The Epilogue

Thus is the mariage finisht & our play
but whether well or ill wee dare not say
selfe Cusinge Consciens, soone would guilty Cry
but thats againste selfe-lovinge pollicy
first we must be convicted, then Confesse
our skilles arte, our artles guiltines.
the barres the stage, the men arraigned wee
yor Censures are our iudges, oh let them bee
milde, gentle, gracious, not to stricte, to sower
to full of percinge gall, oh doe not lower
at these our weake indevors: but let love
goe hande in hand wth iudgemt: yea reprove
whats done amisse but yet in such a strayne
as that wee may be sure yor loves remayne
as Constant as before: Our harmelesse sport
our Commicke mirth wee knowe Comes farre to short
& fitts not yor attention: yet the mynde
of euery actor came noe iott behinde
nor was defective, wherefore (Courteous hearers
Our Author and the Actors here have sent me
to knowe what yow determine, yea thy sweare
poore Rusticano all the blame shall beare
because he was soe foolish at the vpshotte
to, weare his mrs habit, & to come
soe vnexpected in his leaders roome
(wich as they think is most distastfull to yow
Wherfore amazde poore Rusticano stands
hopinge yow will revive him with yor hands
Exit