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The Prologue.
You skilfull heads, that sit in place to see, likewise to heare,What openly by Actours deeds in place shall straight appeare:
Beefore your vigill wakefull eyes therfore perpend it well.
For the acts in order follow, which the preface may not tell.
But thus I shew, most strange it is, and pittifull beside,
Mixt both wt mirth, & pleasant showes: wherfore we pray you bide
The last as well as first to see, then vprightly iudge and way
Our Authors minde and doyng his, in that which wee display.
Let iudgement then from you proceede discreetly to be showne,
And let not rashnes ouersoone to mutch abroade be blowne.
For thus wee do perswade our selues, if simple Authors skill
Should Seneca exceede in verse, or Ouids pleasant quill:
Or could tell more then Tullies wit, eke Homer put a side,
Yet do wee deeme some Momus would him skorne, mocke, & deride.
But as he doth deepe low descend from these right famous wights:
So doth he stand in redines to bare those Momus spights.
Yet staies him on this steadfast hope, the wise his simple paine
Will well except, and that is all that hee dooth seeke to gaine.
Let this for preface you suffice, the actours redy stand,
Your patience ernestly wee craue to proceede out of hand.
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