University of Virginia Library

The first Prologue at Court, spoken by the Lady ELIZABETH HOWARD.

I wish you only did expect to day,
A common Prologue to some usual Play.
For when young Ladies are to speak to Kings,
You look that they should say no Vulgar things.
'Tis below us what meaner Actors do:
Either t'excuse our selves, or rail at You.
Nor come you here as to the Common Pit,
With the lest hope of finding fault with Wit.
Loves gentler Thoughts possess the Men of Sense:
At lest it shall be so, e're they go hence.
Gallants take warning then: 'ts time to fear;
When Youth and Beauties on the Stage appear.
Those Charms else-where are pretty dangerous found:
But here we shoot upon a Rising Ground.
No Heart can scape we have a mind to hit,
Unless 'tis guarded by some Eyes 'ith Pit.
To Hearts engag'd our power does not extend:
And therefore, Sir, to you we humbly bend.
[To the King.]
Yet from your Constancy we need not fear:
To all fair Nymphs you keep an open Ear.
No watching Eyes, those soft alluring Wiles,
Can hinder you from giving Gracious Smiles.
Now for the Men: Their praise should next be shewn;
But that I think were better let alone.