TO THE COURTEOUS READER.
To make too large an explanation of this following Poem were but to beguile thy appetite and somewhat dull thy expectation; but the work it selfe being now an Orphant, and wanting him to protect that first begot it, it were an iniury to his memory to passe him unspoken of. For the man his Muse was much courted but no common mistresse; and though but seldome seene abroad yet ever much admired at. This worke, not the meanest of his labours, has much adorned not only one but many Stages, with such a generall applause as it hath drawne even the Rigid Stoickes of the Time, who, though not for pleasure yet for profit have gathered something out of his plentifull Vineyard. My hopes are it wil prove no lesse pleasing to the Reader then it has formerly beene to the Spectators; and, so prooving, I have my aime and full desire. Farewell.
The Actors Names.
Genzerick, King of the Vandals. Anthonio | Damianus | 3 Noble men. Cosmo | Hubert, A brave Commander. Henerick, the Prince. Bellizarius, the Generall. Eugenius, a Christian Bishop. Epidaurus, a Lord. 2 Physitians. 2 Pagans. 1 Camell-driver. 2 Camell-driver. Victoria, Wife to Bellizarius. Bellina, his Daughter. A Souldier. 2 Angels. 2 Christians tonguelesse. Clowne. Constable. 3 Watchmen. 3 Huntsmen. 3 Other Camell-drivers. Officers and Souldiers.
The Martyr'd Souldier.
Actus Primus.
SCAENA PRIMA.
Enter Genzerick King of the Vandalls, sicke on his bed, Anthony, Damianus, Cosmo, and Lords.
King. Away, leave off your golden Flatteries,
I know I cannot live, there's one lies here
Brings me the newes; my glories and my greatnes
Are come to nothing.
Anth. Be not your selfe the Bell
To tolle you to the Grave; and the good Fates,
For ought we see, may winde upon your bottome[132]
A thred of excellent length.