University of Virginia Library

PROLOGUE.

Before I enter'd, I vvas tould vvhat novv
I see decypher'd upon every brovv;
A sullen sadnes, and close murmurs say,
“The Title is enough to damn the Play
“The Bill condemns before the Action, Pox
“Vpon the Poet vvith his Paradox,
“Noble Ingratitude, o barbarous sound!
“Vertue vvill die to see that Monster crovvn'd:
Strange voices these, strange censures from the vvits,
For such he takes you, every one that sits
Spectatour here usurps a priviledge,
VVhich is unjust, before he hears, to judge.
VVise, and just Iuries, vvho in every cause
Strictly observe the custom of the Lavvs,
The bottome sound, and ne'r their verdicts bring
Vpon the superficies of a thing;
They vveigh the ground of matters vvell, and ne'r
Proceed to sentence till they see all cleer;
Have patience then a little, and suspend
Your judgments till you see us at the end
Of the fifth Act; three hours vvill soon be pass'd,
In Sceans and Songs the minutes fly too fast;
Then if vve do'nt maintain our Paradox,
Let me be sham'd, and sit three hours i'th' stocks
For punishing your patience; if the crime
Deserves more rigour, let a longer time
Of penance be prescrib'd me there; but I
Hope from your judgments, justice, clemency,
A nobler sentence, and that you'll allovv
Me next a Lavvrell vvreath to crovvn my brovv.