 | Loves Mistresse : or The Queenes Masque |  |
The Prologue to this Play, the first time it was Presented on the Stage; Cupid descending in a Cloud, the Speaker.
It was a Custome 'mongst the Romanes, when
State-Ladies they invited, or great men,
As if their doores were all too base, and vile
To entertaine them; their large Roofes to untile,
And their unbounded welcome more to crowne,
In Artificiall Cloudes to let them downe;
Their superstitious Love so farre extending,
Receiving them as gods from heaven descending.
State-Ladies they invited, or great men,
As if their doores were all too base, and vile
To entertaine them; their large Roofes to untile,
And their unbounded welcome more to crowne,
In Artificiall Cloudes to let them downe;
Their superstitious Love so farre extending,
Receiving them as gods from heaven descending.
Although we cannot meet you with like state,
As entring hither at our publike gate,
You are as welcome; 'Tis Love bids you so:
And, as their use was, to their guests to show
Their best, and costliest Jewels (without boast,
So Cupid will) what he affecteth most,
His sweet and dearest Mistris; or if ought
Were more in valuation, or in thought,
That you should see: She is both fresh and new,
Then bid her but as welcome, as I, you.
As entring hither at our publike gate,
You are as welcome; 'Tis Love bids you so:
And, as their use was, to their guests to show
Their best, and costliest Jewels (without boast,
So Cupid will) what he affecteth most,
His sweet and dearest Mistris; or if ought
Were more in valuation, or in thought,
That you should see: She is both fresh and new,
Then bid her but as welcome, as I, you.
| Loves Mistresse : or The Queenes Masque | |