Bartholmew fayre : a comedie, acted in the yeare, 1614 by the Lady Elizabeths seruants, and then dedicated to King Iames, of most blessed memorie ; The diuell is an asse : a comedie acted in the yeare, 1616, by His Maiesties seruants ; The staple of newes : a comedie acted in the yeare, 1625, by His Maiesties seruants by the author, Beniamin Iohnson.

The Prologue.

THe DIVELL is an ASSE. That is, to day, The name of what you are met for, a new Play▪ Yet Grandee's, would you were not come to grace Our matter, with allowing vs no place. Though you presume SATAN a subtill thing, And may haue heard hee's worne in a thumbe-ring; Doe not on these presumptions, force vs act, Incompasse of a cheese-trencher. This tract Will ne'er admit our vice, because of yours. Anone, who, worse then you, the fault endures That your selues make? when you will thrust and spurne, And knocke vs o'the elbowes, and hid, turne; As if, when wee had spoke, wee must be gone, Or, till wee speake, must all runne in, to one, Like the young adders, at the old ones mouth? Would wee could stand due North; or had no South, If that offend: or were Muscouy glasse, That you might looke our Scenes through as they passe. We know not how to affect you. If you'll come To see new Playes, pray you affoord vs roome, And shew this, but the same face you ha••e done Your deare delight, the Diuell of Edmunton. Or, if, for want of roome it must mis-carry, 'Twill be but Iustice, that your censure tarry, Till you giue some. And when sixe times you ha' seen't, If this Play doe not like, the Diuell is in't.