The bond-man an antient storie. As it hath been often acted with good allowance, at the Cock-pit in Drury-lane: by the most excellent princesse, the Lady Elizabeth her Seruants. By Phillip Massinger.

The Authors Friend to the Reader.

THe PRINTERS haste calls on; I must not driue My time past Sixe, though I begin at Fiue. One houre I haue entire; and 'tis enough, Here are no Gipsie Iigges, no Drumming stuffe, Dances, or other Trumpery to delight, Or take, by common way, the common sight. The AVTHOR of this POEM, as he dares To stand th'austerest Censure; so he cares, As little what it is. His owne, Best way Is to be Iudge, and AVTHOR of his PLAY. It is his Knowledge, makes him thus secure; Nor do's he write to please, but to endure. And (Reader) if you haue disburs'd a shilling, To see this worthy STORY, and are willing To haue a large encrease; (if rul'd by me) You may a MARCHANT, and a POET be. 'Tis granted for your twelue-pence you did sit, And See, and Heare, and Vnderstand not yet. The AVTHOR (in a Christian pitty) takes Care of your good, and Prints it for your sakes. That such as will but venter Six-pence more, May Know, what they but Saw, and Heard before: 'Twill not be money lost, if you can reed, (Ther's all the doubt now,) but your gaines exceed If you can Vnderstand, and you are made Free of the freest, and the noblest Trade. And in the way of POETRY, now adayes, Of all that are call'd Workes the best are PLAYES.

W. B