All things be not so as in sight they do seem, Whatsoever they resemble, or whatever men deem. For if our senses in their own objects us do fail Sometimes, then our judgment shall but little avail In some things, as such, where doubt giveth denial Of them in the best wise to make any trial. Which saying is evident, as well shall appear In this little interlude, which we present here; Whereby we may learn how grossly we err, Taking one thing for another, which differ so far, As good doth from bad. Example therefore You may take by these persons, if you mark no more. For the primitive constitution, which was first appointed Even by God himself and by Christ his annointed; Confirmed by th' Apostles, and of great antiquity: See, how it is perverted by man's wicked iniquity, To be called New Custom or New Constitution, Surely a name of too much ungodly abusion. Which our author, indifferently scanning in his mind, In his simple opinion this cause he doth find: That, by reason of ignorance which beareth great sway, And also stubborn doctrine, which shutteth up the way To all good instruction and knowledge of right: No marvel it was, though of the truth we were ignorant quite. For truly in such a case the matter was but small To make the ignorant soul to credit them all, Whatsoever they said, were it truth or a lie. For no man able was then to prove them the contrary. Wherefore their own fancies they set in great price, Neglecting the true way, like men far unwise. Making semblant of antiquity in all that they did, To th' intent that their subtlety by such means might be hid. New Custom also hath he named this matter verily, In consideration that the people so speaketh commonly, Confuting the same by reasons most manifest, Which in consequent order of talk are exprest. This sense hath our author followed herein, as we said, For other meaning: moreover he will not have it denayed, But diverse may invent much distant from this, Which in no wise he will have prejudicial to his, Nor his unto theirs, whatsoever they be, For many heads, many wits,[2] we do plainly see. Only he desireth this of the worshipful audience: To take in good part without all manner offence, Whatsoever shall be spoken, marking the intent, Interpreting it no otherwise but as it was meant. And for us, if of patience you list to attend, We are ready to declare you the matter to the end. FINIS PROLOGI. NEW CUSTOM ACTUS I., SCÆNA 1. PERVERSE DOCTRINE _and_ IGNORANCE _enter_.