[The following lines are printed from the edition of 1649]
The Prologue to Thierry and Theodoret.
Wit is become an Antick; and puts on
As many shapes of variation,
To court the times applause, as the times dare
Change severall fashions; nothing is thought rare
Which is not new and follow'd; yet we know
That what was worne some twenty yeares agoe
Comes into grace againe, and we pursue
That custome, by presenting to your view
A Play in fashion then, not doubting now
But 'twill appeare the same, if you allow
Worth to their noble memories, whose names
Beyond all power of death live in their fames.
The Epilogue.
Our Poet knowes you will be just; but we
Appeale to mercy: he desires that ye
Would not distast his Muse, because of late
Transplanted; which would grow here if no fate
Have an unluckie bode: opinion
Comes hither but on crutches yet, the sun
Hath lent no beame to warme us; if this play
Proceed more fortunate, wee'll crowne the day
And Love that brought you hither: 'tis in you
To make A Little Sprig of Lawrell grow,
And spread into a Grove where you may sit
And here soft Stories, when by blasting it
You gain no honour, though our ruines Lye
To tell the spoyles of your offended eye:
If not for what we are, (for alas, here
No Roscius moves to charme your eyes or ear)
Yet as you hope hereafter to see Playes.
Incourage us, and give our Poet Bayes.
| Thierry, King of France | |
| Theodoret, his Brother Prince of Austrachia | |
| Martell, their noble Kinsman | |
| Devitry, an honest Souldier of fortune | |
| Protuldy, | Cowardly Panders. |
| Bawdher, | |
| Lecure, | |
| A Priest | |
| A Post | |
| Huntsmen | |
| Souldiers | |
| Doctors | |
| Brunhalt, Mother to the Princes | |
| Ordella, the matchlesse wife of Thierry | |
| Memburges, Daughter of Theodoret. |
The Scene France.
p. [1], l. 5. D] Bawdher l. 25. A-D] women.