University of Virginia Library

The Prologue.

Tis worth my Feares, to see within this place
Wits most accomplish'd Senate; tis a grace
Transcending our desert, tho not our feare,
Least what our Author writes should not appeare
Fit for this Iudging presence; all the wayes
He knowes that lead to the true throne of Playes
Are rough uneasie pathes, such as to tread
Would fright an active able Muse; strike dead
A weake and timerous travailer: for some
Will giue the play a pitious Martyrdome
Ere it hath life; yet have t'excite that flame,
Only distrust in the new Authors name.
Others for shortnesse force the Author run,
And end his Play before his Plot be done.
Some in an humorous squemishnesse will say,
They only come to heare, not see the Play,
Others to see it only, there have beene,
And are good store, that come but to be seene:
Not see nor heare the Play: How shall we then
Please the so various appetites of men.
It starts our Authors confidence, who by me
Tels you thus much t'excuse the Comedy.
You shall not here be feasted with the sight
Of anticke showes; but Actions, such as might
And have beene reall, and in such a phrase,
As men should speake in; Ladies if you praise,
At least allow his language and his plot,
Your owne just Priviledge, his Muse hath got
So full a wreath, that spight of Envies frowne
Shall in his Brow sit as a lasting Crowne.