by lightnesse given to the wise, and lesse occasion of "loosenesse proffered to the wanton. 4to. 1582.” He was also the Author of the following Plays: 1. Alexander and Campaspe, 1584, 4to. 1591, 4to. 2. Endimion, 4to. 1591.

3. Sappho and Phaon, 4to. 1591. 4. Galatea, 4to. 1592.

5. Mydas, 4to. 1592.

6. Mother Bombie, 4to. 1594, 4to. 1597. 7. The Woman in the Moon, 4to. 1597.

8. The Maid her Metamorphosis, 4to. 1600. 9. Love his Metamorphosis, 4to. 1601.

The first six of these Plays were re-published by Edward Blount, in 12mo. 1632, under the title of "Sixe Court Comedies."

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Besides these, he was the Author of a piece, published in 1593, called " Pap with a Hatchet, alias, a "fig for my Godson, or crack me this nut, or a Country Cuff, that is, a sound box on the ear for the Ideot, Martin to hold his peace. Written by one "that dares call a Dog a Dog." Imprinted for John Oke.

THE

PROLOGUE AT THE BLACK FRIERS.

THEY that fear the stinging of wasps, make fans of peacocks tails, whose spots are like eyes: And Lepidus, which could not sleep for the chattering of birds, set up a beast, whose head was like a dragon: and we which stand in awe of report, are compelled to set before our owl, Pallas' shield, thinking by her virtue to cover the other's deformity. It was a sign of famine to Egypt, when Nylus flowed less than twelve cubits, or more than eighteen and it may threaten despair unto us, if we be less curious than you look for, or more cumbersome. But as Theseus being promised to be brought to an eagle's nest, and travelling all the day, found but a wren in a hedge, yet said this is a bird: so we hope, if the shower of our swelling mountain seeming to bring forth some elephant, perform but a mouse, you will gently say, this is a beast. softly touched, yieldeth a sweet scent; but chafed in in the hand, a rank savour. We fear even so that our labours slily glanced on, will breed some content; but examined to the proof, small commendation. haste in performing shall be our excuse. There went two nights to the begetting of Hercules. Feathers appear not on the phoenix under seven months, and the mulberry is twelve in budding: but our travails are like the hare's, who at one time bringeth forth, nourisheth, and engendreth again; or like the brood of Trochilus, whose eggs in the same moment that they are laid, become birds. But howsoever we finish our work, we

Basil

The

crave pardon, if we offend in matter; and patience if we transgress in manners. We have mixed mirth with counsel, and discipline with delight; thinking it not amiss in the same garden to sow pot-herbs, that we set flowers. But we hope, as harts that cast their horns, snakes their skins, eagles their bills, become more fresh for any other labour: so our charge being shaken off, we shall be fit for greater matters. But lest like the Myndians, we make our gates greater than our town, and that our play runs out at the preface, we here conclude wishing, that although there be in your precise judgments an universal mislike, yet we may enjoy by your wonted courtesies a general silence.

*

*Curtesies. O. G.

THE

PROLOGUE AT THE COURT.

We are ashamed that our bird, which fluttereth by twilight, seeming a swallow, should be proved a bat, set against the sun. But as Jupiter placed Silenus's ass among the stars, and Alcibiades covered his pictures, being owls and apes, with a curtain embroidered with lions and eagles, so are we enforced, upon a rough discourse, to draw on a smooth excuse, resembling lapidaries, who think to hide the crack in a stone, by setting it deep in gold. The gods supp'd once with poor Baucis; the Persian kings sometimes shaved sticks; our hope is, your highness will at this time lend an ear to an idle pastime. 8 Appion raising Homer from hell, demanded only who was his father; and we calling Alexander from his grave, seek only who was his love. Whatsoever we present, we wish it may be thought the dancing of Agrippa's shadows, who in the moment they were seen, were of any shape one would conceive; or Lynces, who having a quick sight to discern, have a short memory to forget. With us it is like to fare as with these torches, which giving light to others, consume themselves; and we showing delight to others, shame our selves.

8 Appion raising Homer from hell, demanded only who was his father;] "Quærat aliquis, quæ sint mentiti veteres Magi, cum "adolescentibus nobis visus Apion Grammaticæ artis, prodiderit cynocephaliam herbam, quæ in Ægypto vocaretur osyrites, divi" nam, & contra omnia venesicia: sed si ea erueretur, statim eum 'qui eruisset, mori. Seque evocasse umbras ad percontandum "Homerum, qua patria quibusque parentibus genitus esset, non tamen ausus profiteri, quid sibi respondisse diceret." C. Plin. Nat. Hist. 1. xxx, c. 2.

"