Three new playes; viz. The [brace] bashful lover, Guardian, Very woman. As they have been often acted at the private-house in Black-Friers, by His late Majesties Servants, with great applause. / Written by Philip Massenger, Gent. Never printed before.

PROLOGUE.

AFter twice putting forth to Sea, his Fame Shipwrack'd in either, and his once known Name In two years silence buried, perhaps lost I'the general opinion; at our cost (A zealous sacrifice to Neptune made For good success in his uncertain trade) Our Author weighs up anchors, and once more Forsaking the security of the shore, Resolves to prove his fortune: What 'twill be, Is not in him, or us to prophesie; You only can assure us. Yet he pray'd This little in his absence might be said, Designing me his Orator. He submits To the grave censure of those abler Wits His weakness; nor dares he profess that when The Critiques laugh, he'l laugh at them agen. (Strange self-love in a writer!) He would know His errors as you find 'em, and bestow His future, studies to reform from this What in another might be judg'd amiss. And yet despair not, Gentlemen; though he fear His strengths to please, we hope that you shall hear Some things so writ, as you may truly say He hath not quite forgot to make a Play, As 'tis with malice rumour'd: His intents Are fair; and though he want the complements Of wide-mouth'd Promisers, who still engage (Before their Works are brought upon the Stage) Their parasites to proclaim 'em: This last birth Deliver'd without noise, may yield such mirth, As ballanc'd equally, will cry down the boast Of arrogance, and regain his credit lost.