University of Virginia Library


68

PROLOGVE.

No State-affaires, nor any politique Club,
Pretend wee in our Tale, here, of a Tub.
But acts of Clownes and Constables, to day
Stuffe out the Scenes of our ridiculous Play.
A Coopers wit, or some such busie Sparke,
Illumining the high Constable, and his Clarke.
And all the Neighbour-hood, from old Records,
Of antick Proverbs, drawne from Whitson-Lord's,
And their Authorities, at Wakes and Ales,
With countrey precedents, and old Wives Tales;
Wee bring you now, to shew what different things
The Cotes of Clownes, are from the Courts of Kings.