University of Virginia Library



To the deserving memory, of this worthy Worke, and the Author, Mr. Philip Massinger.

Action gives many Poems right to live,
This Piece gave life to Action; and will give
For state, and language, in each change of Age,
To Time, delight; and honour to the stage.
Should late prescription faile which fames that Seat,
This Pen, might style The Duke of Florence Great.
Let many Write; Let much be Printed; read,
And censur'd; Toyes; no sooner-hatch't, then dead.
Here, without blush to Truth of commendation,
Is prov'd, how Art hath out-gone Imitation.
Iohn Ford.