Playes written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

Scene 12.

Enter two Gentlemen.

1 GEnt.

Some have thought the World was but as Stage, and that the several Creatures are the several Actors, and that every several Gene∣ration is a new Play.

2 Gent.

No every several Generation doth not seem as if they were new Plays; for there seems to be but one play, and that to continue to the end of the World, and that every Generation seems only new Actors, that play over the same parts, for we well perceive that the following Generations act but what the former Generations did before them; 'tis true the World seems to be the Stage, and the Seas, Rocks, Rivers, Plants, Hills, Dales, Ci∣ties, Towns, Villages, and the like, are as the several Changes, the Animals as the several Actors, the several Seasons the several Scenes, and the Specta∣tors are the Gods, and the end of the World the end of the Play, and then they must make another World, if they will have another Play.

1 Gent.

Surely Mercury is their Poet.

2 Gent.

'Tis very likely, also 'tis probable Pallas helps him.

1 Gent.

Nay 'tis probable that Venus and Cupid helps him, for Love and Beauty doth at all times assist a Poet.

2 Gent.

There is no excellent and extraordinary wit, but hath many as∣sistants,

as first Nature is the chief; so likewise Mercury, Pallas, Venus, Cupid, and the Muses.

1 Gent.

The most foolish Actors of all Actors, are women.

2 Gent.

The truth is, it 'tis very unhappy for women, that they are not instructed in the rules Rethorick, by reason they talk so much, that they might talk sensibly, whereas now for want of that Art, they talk meer nonsense.

1 Gent.

But all women are apt to speak more than to Act, by reason words are easily spoke, and deeds so hard to be done.

2 Gent.

Faith women are as full of Actions as words; for all their life is imployed with talking and running about to no purpose.

Exeunt.