Epicoene; Or, The Silent Woman

PROLOGUE

   Truth says, of old the art of making plays
   Was to content the people; and their praise
   Was to the poet money, wine, and bays.

   But in this age, a sect of writers are,
   That, only, for particular likings care,
   And will taste nothing that is popular.

   With such we mingle neither brains nor breasts;
   Our wishes, like to those make public feasts,
   Are not to please the cook's taste, but the guests'.

   Yet, if those cunning palates hither come,
   They shall find guests' entreaty, and good room;
   And though all relish not, sure there will be some,

   That, when they leave their seats, shall make them say,
   Who wrote that piece, could so have wrote a play,
   But that he knew this was the better way.

   For, to present all custard, or all tart,
   And have no other meats, to bear a part.
   Or to want bread, and salt, were but course art.

   The poet prays you then, with better thought
   To sit; and, when his cates are all in brought,
   Though there be none far-fet, there will dear-bought,

   Be fit for ladies: some for lords, knights, 'squires;
   Some for your waiting-wench, and city-wires;
   Some for your men, and daughters of Whitefriars.

   Nor is it, only, while you keep your seat
   Here, that his feast will last; but you shall eat
   A week at ord'naries, on his broken meat:
     If his muse be true,
     Who commends her to you.