University of Virginia Library

The Prologue.

Ovr Authour for himselfe, this bad me say,
Although the Palsgraue be the name of th'Play,
Tis not that Prince, which in this Kingdome late,
Marryed the Mayden-glory of our state:
What Pen dares be so bold in this strict age,
To bring him while he liues vpon the Stage?
And though he would, Authorities sterne brow
Such a presumptuous deede will not allow:
And he must not offend Authoritie,
Tis of a Palsgraue generous and high,
Of an vndaunted heart, an Hectors spirit,
For his great valour, worthy royall merite;
Whose fayre achieuements, and victorious glory,
Is the mayne subiect of our warlike Story.
Mars gouerns here, his influence rules the day,
And should by right be Prologue to the Play:
But that besides the subiect, Mercury
Sent me to excuse our insufficiencie.
If you should aske vs, being men of Trade,
Wherefore the Players facultie we inuade?
Our answere is, No ambition to compare
With any, in that qualitie held rare;
Nor with a thought for any grace you giue
To our weake action, by their course to liue:
But as in Camps, and Nurseries of Art,
Learning and valour haue assum'd a part,
In a Cathurnall Sceane their wits to try,
Such is our purpose in this History.
Emperours haue playd, and their Associates to,
Souldiers and Schollers; tis to speake and do.
If Citizens come short of their high fame,
Let Citizens beare with vs for the name.
And Gentlemen, we hope what is well ment,
Will grace the weake deede for the good intent.
Our best we promise with a dauntlesse cheeke;
And so we gayne your loue, tis all we seeke.
Exit.