The Prologue for the Stage.
You'd
have new Playes, & when you have them, you
Do by them, as Children by their Trifles do,
Slight and dislike them, and then cry for more,
And use them just as you did those before:
And this you think fine sport now, so do'nt they,
(I tell ye Gentlemen) who make the Play.
Notwithstanding, our Author gives you one
this once, and comes with resolution,
To try whether or no, t'be a Disease
That reigns amongst you, no new Playes can please.
And if he finde it so, he bid me say,
All th'harm they'l do him who condemn his Play;
They'l bring him off oth' Stage, into the Pit,
To judge with them, of others Playes and wit
Additions for the Court.
To others this. But to Your Majesty,
Our Author here with all humility,
Offers his Labours: chiefly he' underwent,
Most Royall Sir, for Your Divertisement.
Counting it highest Happiness can befall,
To delight Him, who's the Delight of all.
