University of Virginia Library

Prologue.

Twill be a great Assize, how things will hit
For us appearing at this barre of wit.
Is most uncertaine, we have nam'd our Play
The Example, and for ought we know it may
Be made one, for at no time did the lawes
However understood, more fright the cause
Of unbefriended poesy, since the praise
Of wit, and judgement is not now adayes
Owing to them that write, but hee that can
Talke loud, and high, is held the witty man,
And censures finely, rules the Boy, and strikes
With his court nod consent to what hee likes;
But this must bee, nor ist our parts to grudge
Any that by their place should bee a judge;
Nay, hee that in the Parish never was
Thought fit to be o' the jury, has a place
Here, on the Bench for six pence, and dared sit
And boast himselfe commissioner of wit,
Which though he want he can condemne with othes,
As much as they that weare the purple clothes,
Robes I should say, or whom i'th Roman state
Some ill-lock'd stage-keepers, like Lictors waite
With Pipes for fasces, while another beares
Three-footed stooles in stead of Juory chaires,
This is a destiny, to which wee bow,
For all are innocent but the Poets now,
Who suffer for their guilt of truth, and arts,
And we for only speaking of their parts.
But be it so, be judges all, and bee
With our consent, but thus farre take me w'ee
If any meete here, as some men i'th age
Who understand no sense, but from one stage,
And over partiall will entaile like land
Upon heires male all action, and command
Of voice and gesture, upon whom they love,
These, though cal'd Judges, may delinquent's prove.
But few such wee hope here, to'th rest wee say
Heare patiently ere you condemne the Play.
Tis not the authors Confidence, to dare
Your judgements, but your calme eares to prepare,
That if for mercy you can finde no roome,
Hee prayes that mildly, you pronounce his doome.