University of Virginia Library

The Prologue.

If once is shewn the glimering Star, whereby
Pluto is daunted, and great Jove knowes why:
When by its circulation, driven course,
At last by passage, lights upon by force
Some watrish cloud, which by its structure foul,
Is obscur'd from mens mortall eyes, they houl
To see the radiall beams so quickly gone,
As if all vanish, reliques thereof none:
Just in resemblance, so shall I produce
My future breathing, till some me conduce,
To see your sparkling, splendent, orient eyes,
Shining like Luna, Sol, Stars in the skies,
Viewing my Pigmie, if perchance there be
Pleasant looks in the Royall company
Of your bright Train, more Angel-like then she,
Apelles drew by art, yet could not be
So well as nature wrought her; that same look
Would purchase more, then I can with my Book,
For it would raise Ambition, and bereave
My fancy of its reason, to perceive
Nothing but a Chimæra, and thereby
Term my selfe new again if possibly;
But if in opposition, it appear
Just to the contrary, no looking chear,
Nor smiling carriage, but then takes their place,
Frowns, discommending, and absurd disgrace,
Then I much like a Prisoner at the Bar,
Shall be dejected, flying hence and far
Do purpose to remain, as long as sense
I have to weep for this my insolence.
If story produce no laughter, nor the Wit
Laugh at my folly in so doing it.