Note 3 — GEORGE BRANDES (continued 15)
William Archer translation
"A Prologue to introduce the first woman that came to act on this stage, in the tragedy called The Moor of Venice: "—
"I come unknown to any of the rest To tell you news; I saw the lady drest. The woman plays to day; mistake me not, No man in gown or page in petticoat: A woman to my knowledge, yet I can't If I should die, make affidavit on't.... 'Tis possible a virtuous woman may Abhor all sorts of looseness and yet play, Play on the stage when all eyes are upon her. Shall we count that a crime, France counts an honour?"