Page 2703 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Out of this silence yet I pick’d a welcome, [100]
And in the modesty of fearful duty
I read as much as from the rattling tongue
Of saucy and audacious eloquence.
Love, therefore, and tongue-tied simplicity
In least speak most, to my capacity. [105]

(Enter Philostrate.)

PHILOST RAT E

So please your grace, the Prologue is address’d.

T HESEUS

Let him approach.

Flourish of trumpets.

Enter Quince for the Prologue.

PROLOGUE

If we offend, it is with our good will.
That you should think, we come not to offend,
But with good will. To show our simple skill, [110]
That is the true beginning of our end.
Consider then, we come but in despite.
We do not come, as minding to content you,
Our true intent is. All for your delight,
We are not here. That you should here repent you, [115]
The actors are at hand; and by their show,
You shall know all, that you are like to know.

T HESEUS

This fellow doth not stand upon points.

LY SANDER

He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt; he knows not the stop. A good
moral, my lord: it is not [120] enough to speak, but to speak true.

HIPPOLY T A

Indeed he hath played on this prologue like a child on a recorder; a sound,
but not in government.