University of Virginia Library

To the Reader of this Play now come in Print.

That this play's old, 'tis true; but now if any
Should for that cause despise it, we have many
Reasons, both just and pregnant, to maintaine
Antiquity, and those too, not all vaine.
We know (and not long since) there was a time,
Strong lines were not lookt after; but if Rime,
O then 'twas excellent: who but beleeves,
That Doublets with stuft bellies, and big sleeves,
And those Trunck-hose, which now our Age doth scorne,
Were all in fashion, and with custome worne:
And what's now out of date, who is't can tell,
But it may come in fashion, and sute well?
With rigour therefore judge not, but with reason,
Since what you read was fitted to that season.