The opening of The Prologue
I come no more to make you laugh: things now,
That bear a weighty and a serious brow,
Sad, high and working, full of state and woe,[1]
Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow,
We now present. Those that can pity, here[2] 5
May, if they think it well, let fall a tear;
The subject will deserve it. Such as give
Their money out of hope they may believe,
May here find truth too. Those that come to see
Only a show or two and so agree[3] 10
The play may pass, if they be still and willing,
I'll undertake may see away their shilling
Richly in two short hours. Only they
That come to hear a merry bawdy play,
A noise of targets, or to see a fellow 15
In a long motley coat guarded with yellow,
Will be deceived; for, gentle hearers, know,
To rank our chosen truth with such a show
As fool and fight is, beside forfeiting[4]
Our own brains and the opinion that we bring 20
To make that only true we now intend,[5]
Will leave us never an understanding friend.[6]
Therefore, for goodness' sake, and as you are known[7] …