Act 5 — THE PROLOGUE.
Reading edition
The brightness of so great and fair a presence, They say, strikes cold amazement. But I feel Contrary effects. For from the gracious centre O' the honourable assembly some secret power Inflames my courage; and methinks I am grown Taller by th' virtue of this audience. And yet, thus rais'd, I fear there's no retiring. Ladies, whose beauties glad the whole assembly, Upon your favours I impose my business. If't be a fault to speak this foreign language, (For Latin is our mother tongue)[226] I must entreat you To frame excuses for us; for whose sake We now speak English. All the rest we hope Come purposely to grace our poor endeavours, As we to please. In whose fair courtesy We trust, not in our weak ability.