University of Virginia Library

PROLOGVS.

Nor labours hee the fauor of the rude,
Nor offers sops vnto the Stigian Dogge
To force a scilence in his viperous toungs:
Nor cares he to insinuate the grace,
Of loath'd detraction, nor persues the loue
Of the nice Criticks of this squeamish age,
Nor striues he to beare vp with euery saile
Of floting Censure: nor once dreads or care's
What enuious hand his guiltles Muse hath struck,
“Sweet breath from tainted stomacks who can suck:
But to the faire proportion'd loues of witte,
To the iust skale of euen paized thoughts:
To those that know the pangs of bringing forth
A perfect feature: to their gentle mindes,
That can as soone slight of, as finde a blemish,
To those as vmbly lowe as to their feete
I am oblig'd to bend: to those his Muse,
Makes solemne honour, for their wish'd delight:
He vowes industrious sweat shall pale his cheeke,
But heele glose vp sleeke obiects for their eyes:
For those he is asham'd, his best's too badd,
A silly subiect too too simply cladd
Is all his present, all his ready pay,
For many many debts. Giue further day
Ile giue a Prouerbe, Sufferance giueth ease:
So you may once be pai'd, we once may please.
Exit.