University of Virginia Library

THE PROLOGVE.

Some Prologues wish their Audience ioyfull mirth,
Some with Appelles strive to Painte the birth,
Of their inventions; others not onely true,
But pleasing to the kinde spectators view;
Such would our Author to, had not his Muse,
A mournfull subiect whom this age abuse;
Nor can his Novice genius dive unto,
The depth of what hee faine would tender you,
Lirenda's Misery, who can forbeare,
The Scæne once past from a relenting teare,
VVhen blustring stormes of murder, fire and sword
Are the chiefe Emblems hee can best affoord,
Your true compassive fancie, looke not then for,
A Poets loftie dazeling Meteor,
That to the vulgar eye might seeme more strange
Then fertile Luna, in hir often change:
Kinde Natives of this poore afflicted Ile,
To your oppressions we addresse the style
Of this our tragicke pen, who in effect,
Are the supporters, of that Architect,
Devised by him that never writ before,
Yet honors you, your miseries adore,
Your faithfull service, resolution and
The most accomplisht vertues of this land,
Sometime styl'd Insula Sanctorum,
Now the true touchstone, or decorum,
Of Heroicall mindes, whom envyes dire intent
Endeavour'd to subvert with discontent:
This Noble, Worthy, Auditors the scope
Of what wee are resolv'd to shew, in hope,
Your frequent goodnesse with attentive care.
Our more imperfect lines will mildly beare,
For which the Muses humbly we desire,
Some heavenly rapture may your thoughts inspire.