Chapter II: Prologue

Slight hasty labours in this easy play
Present not what you would, but what we may:
For this vouchsafe to know,--the only end
Of our now study is, not to offend.
Yet think not but, like others, rail we could
(Best art presents not what it can but should);
And if our pen in this seem over-slight,
We strive not to instruct, but to delight.
As for some few, we know of purpose here
To tax and scout, know firm art cannot fear 10
Vain rage; only the highest grace we pray
Is, you'll not tax until you judge our play.
Think, and then speak: 'tis rashness, and not wit,
To speak what is in passion, and not judgment fit.
Sit then with fair expectance, and survey
Nothing but passionate man in his slight play,
Who hath this only ill, to some deem'd worst--
A modest diffidence, and self-mistrust.

_Fabulæ Argumentum._

The difference betwixt the love of a courtezan and a wife is the full
scope of the play, which, intermixed with the deceits of a witty city
jester, fills up the comedy.

_DRAMATIS PERSONÆ._

Sir LIONEL FREEVILL, } _two old knights_.
Sir HUBERT SUBBOYS, }
Young FREEVILL, Sir LIONEL'S _son_.
MALHEUREUX, Young FREEVILL'S _unhappy friend_.
TYSEFEW, _a blunt gallant_.
CAQUETEUR, _a prattling gull_.
COCLEDEMOY, _a knavishly witty City Companion_.
MASTER MULLIGRUB, _a vintner_.
MASTER BURNISH, _a goldsmith_.
LIONEL, _his man_.
HOLIFERNES REINSCURE, _a barbers boy_.

BEATRICE, } _Sir Hubert's daughters_.
CRISPINELLA, }
PUTIFER, _their nurse_.
MISTRESS MULLIGRUB.
FRANCESCHINA, _a Dutch Courtezan_.
MARY FAUGH, _an old woman_.
_Three Watchmen_; _Pages_; _Officers_.

SCENE--LONDON.

THE DUTCH COURTEZAN.[1]