University of Virginia Library

PROLOGVE.

I've thought upon't; and cannot tell which way
Ought I can say now, should advance the Play.
For Playes are either good, or bad; the good,
(If they doe beg) beg to be understood.
And in good faith, that has as bold a sound,
As if a beggar should aske twentie pound.
—Men have it not about them:
Then (Gentlemen) if rightly understood,
The bad doe needlesse Prologue than the good:
For if it chance the Plot be lame, or blinde,
Ill cloath'd, deform'd throughout, it needs must finde
Compassion,—It is a beggar without Art:—
But it fals out in penny worths of Wit,
As in all bargaines else. Men ever get
All they can in; will have London measure,
A handfull over in their verie pleasure.
And now yee have't; hee could not well deny'ee,
And I dare sweare hee's scarce a saver by yee.