University of Virginia Library

The Prologue intended for the Stage.

Enter Prologue and Critick severally.
Prolo.
Critick forbear the Stage, what do you here?

Crit.
I come to judge your Play, not for to jeere.

Prolo.
Although you know to judge, yet fancy rules
Which makes the best of Criticks knowing fooles.

Crit.
Prologue you censure boldly, and condemn
The able Critick 'mongst the Wou'dbe men.
Who to describe from us, asks no more skill
Then to observe, how 'twixt each Act they will
Twirle on the toe, picking their teeth, and dance
Then, sometimes whistle Ala mode de France.
The Play being done, they on each other look
To read in one another's faces how it took.
None daring (though suppos'd valiant) for to say
It was well Acted, or 'tis a good Play.
When one non Guilty of abilitie
To judge, askith his Friends advise, when he
Antickly answers (faïth) with little paines
He could write better, yet ne'r break his braines.
To which, his Lady with an easie Faith
And little judgment, answereth, and saith,
Such foolish fellowes as have writ before
Should you but write (dear friend) would ne'r write more.
At which he smiles, and cryes fie, fie, there be
No question some can write as well as he.
Which she must doubt, whil'st he denies it so
As if he knew 'twere truth, but would not know
These art your Critick Wou'dbes raile at the Poet
For writing sense (poor soules) and they not know it.
When we, where there's a fault proclaim't 'tis true,
But never do't till judgement finds it due.
Distinguish then 'twixt Wo'udbe wits, and us
That dare do Justice, though miraculous.
Prologue farewel, if you deserve applause,
The knowing Critick shall maintain your cause.
Exit Crit.

Prolo.
To the audience.
Now unto you that dare be just, and judge
Without partiality, we shall not grudge
To be chid gently, and shall study mend
Such faults as you shall say our Author pen'd.
If 'has writ nonsense, thus he bid me say,
He writ by'th spirit, just as the (Brethren pray