Had not obedience o'errul'd the Author's fearAnd judgment too, this humble piece had ne'erApproach'd so high a majesty: not writBy the exact and subtle rules of wit,Ambitious for the splendour of this night,But fashion'd up in haste for 's own delight.This by my lord[271]with as much zeal as e'erWarm'd the most loyal heart, is offer'd here,To make this night your pleasure, although we,Who are the actors, fear 'twill rather beYour patience; and if any mirth, we maySadly suspect, 'twill rise quite the wrong way.But you have mercy, sir; and from your eye,Bright madam, never yet did lightning fly;But vital beams of favour, such as giveA growth to all who can deserve to live.Why should the author tremble then, or weDistress our hopes, and such tormentors beOf our own thoughts? since in those happy timesWe live, when mercy's greater than the crimes.
Had not obedience o'errul'd the Author's fearAnd judgment too, this humble piece had ne'erApproach'd so high a majesty: not writBy the exact and subtle rules of wit,Ambitious for the splendour of this night,But fashion'd up in haste for 's own delight.This by my lord[271]with as much zeal as e'erWarm'd the most loyal heart, is offer'd here,To make this night your pleasure, although we,Who are the actors, fear 'twill rather beYour patience; and if any mirth, we maySadly suspect, 'twill rise quite the wrong way.But you have mercy, sir; and from your eye,Bright madam, never yet did lightning fly;But vital beams of favour, such as giveA growth to all who can deserve to live.Why should the author tremble then, or weDistress our hopes, and such tormentors beOf our own thoughts? since in those happy timesWe live, when mercy's greater than the crimes.
FOOTNOTES:[271]Meaning, most likely, the Earl of Pembroke, at whose instance the play was represented before the King and Queen at court.—Collier.
[271]Meaning, most likely, the Earl of Pembroke, at whose instance the play was represented before the King and Queen at court.—Collier.
[271]Meaning, most likely, the Earl of Pembroke, at whose instance the play was represented before the King and Queen at court.—Collier.