[115] Ed. 3 (_i.e._, the 8vo of 1633) "ingenuously." I have retained the reading of the earlier eds., as _ingenious_ was commonly used in the sense of _ingenuous_ (Middleton, iv. 14, &c.) [116] _Thyestes_, 402-3. [117] See note, p. 40. [Transcriber's Note: Footnote [44]] [118] From the prose preface to Martial's epigrams. [119] Persius, _Sat._ i. l. 49. [120] "Cedro digna locutus."--Persius, _Sat._ i. l. 42. _TO THE READER._[121] Reader, know I have perused this copy, to make some satisfaction for the first faulty impression; yet so urgent hath been my business that some errors have still passed, which thy discretion may amend. Comedies are writ to be spoken, not read; remember the life of these things consists in action; and for such courteous survey of my pen, I will present a tragedy[122] to you, which shall boldly abide the most curious perusal. [121] This note is from the second 4to. [122] "Sophonisba."--Marginal note in the second 4to. PROLOGUS. Let those once know that here with malice lurk, 'Tis base to be too wise in others' work; The rest sit thus saluted:-- Spectators, know you may, with freest faces, Behold this scene; for here no rude disgraces Shall taint a public or a private name; This pen at viler rate doth value fame, Than at the price of others' infamy To purchase it. Let others dare the rope, Your modest pleasure is our author's scope. 10 The hurdle and the rack to them he leaves That have naught left to be accompted any, But by not being; nor doth he hope to win Your louder hand with that most common sin Of vulgar pens, rank bawdry, that smells Even through your masks, _usque ad nauseam_. The Venus of this scene doth loathe to wear So vile, so common, so immodest clothings; But if the nimble form of comedy, Mere spectacle of life and public manners, 20 May gracefully arrive to your pleased ears, We boldly dare the utmost death of fears; For we do know that this most fair-fill'd room Is loaden with most attic judgments, ablest spirits, Than whom there are none more exact, full, strong, Yet none more soft, benign in censuring. I know there's not one ass in all this presence-- Not one calumnious rascal, or base villain Of emptiest merit--that would tax and slander, If innocency herself should write, not one we know't. 30 O you are all the very breath of Phoebus; In your pleas'd gracings all the true lifeblood Of our poor author lives,--you are his very grace. Now if that any wonder why he's drawn To such base soothings, know his play's--THE FAWN.[123] [123] _Fawner_, sycophant.--A word coined by Marston. _DRAMATIS PERSONÆ._