READ STUDY GUIDE: Prologue; (I.i) |
|
THE PROLOGUE SPOKEN AT COURT.
| Gracious and great, that we so boldly dare |
| ('Mongst other plays that now in fashion are) |
| To present this, writ many years 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 Machiavill; |
| And that's his character. He that hath past |
| So many censures is now come at last |
| To have your princely ears: grace you him; then |
| You crown the action, and renown the pen. |
