Act 5 — THE PROLOGUE AT COURT.
Reading edition
Had not obedience o'errul'd the Author's fear And judgment too, this humble piece had ne'er Approach'd so high a majesty: not writ By the exact and subtle rules of wit, Ambitious for the splendour of this night, But fashion'd up in haste for 's own delight. This by my lord[271] with as much zeal as e'er Warm'd the most loyal heart, is offer'd here, To make this night your pleasure, although we, Who are the actors, fear 'twill rather be Your patience; and if any mirth, we may Sadly suspect, 'twill rise quite the wrong way. But you have mercy, sir; and from your eye, Bright madam, never yet did lightning fly; But vital beams of favour, such as give A growth to all who can deserve to live. Why should the author tremble then, or we Distress our hopes, and such tormentors be Of our own thoughts? since in those happy times We live, when mercy's greater than the crimes.