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The Prologue spoken at Court.

 

GRacious and Great, that we so boldly dare,
('Mongst other Playes that now in fashion are)
To present this; writ many yeares agone,
And in that Age, thought second unto none;
We humbly crave your pardon: we pursue
The story of a rich and famous Jew
Who liv'd in Malta: you shall find him still,
In all his projects, a sound Machevill;
And that's his Character: He that hath past
So many Censures, is now come at last
To have your princely Eares, grace you him; then
You crowne the Action, and renowne the pen.

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Epilogue.

 

IT is our feare (dread Soveraigne) we have bin
Too tedious; neither can't be lesse than sinne
To wrong your Princely patience: If we have,
(Thus low dejected) we your pardon crave:
And if ought here offend your eare or sight,
We onely Act, and Speake, what others write.

The