University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

expand section1. 
expand section2. 
expand section3. 
expand section4. 
expand section5. 

  
Prologue.
  

Prologue.

To please all's impossible, and to despaire
Ruins our selves, and dampes the Writers care:
Would we knew what to doe, or say, or when
To find the mindes here equall with the men:
But we must venture; now to Sea we goe,
Faire fortune with us, give us roome, and blow;
Remember ye'ar all venturers; and in this Play
How many twelve-pences ye have 'stow'd this day:
Remember for returne of your delight,
We launch, and plough through stormes of feare, and spight:
Give us your fore-windes fairely, fill our wings,
And steere us right, and as the Saylors sing,
Loden with Wealth, on wanton seas, so we
Shall make our home-bound-voyage chearfully;
And you our noble Merchants, for your treasure
Share equally the fraught, we run for pleasure.