University of Virginia Library



The Prologue spoken at Court.

Gracious and Great, that we so boldly dare,
('Mongst other Playes that now in fashion are)
To present this, writ many yeares agone,
And in that Age, thought second vnto none;
We humbly crave your pardon: we pursue
The story of a rich and famous Jew
Who liu'd in Malta: you shall find him still,
In all his proiects, a sound Macheuill;
And that's his Character: He that hath past
So many Censures, is now come at last
To haue your princely Eares, grace you him; then
You crowne the Action, and renowne the pen.