The sullen lovers, or, The impertinents a comedy acted by His Highness the Duke of Yorkes servants / written by Tho. Shadwell.

Prologue.

HOw popular are Poets now a dayes? Who can more Men at their first summons rais••, Then many a wealthy home-bred Gentleman, By all his interest in his Countrey can. They raise their friends, but in one day arise 'Gainst one poor Poet, all these Enemies: F••r so he has observ'd you alwayes are, And against all that write maintain a Warr. What shall he give you composition now? Alass, he knowes not what you will allow. He has no cautionary-Song, nor Dance, That might the Treaty of his Peace advance. No kinde Romantick Lovers in his Play, To sigh and whine out passion, su•••• as may Charme Waitingwomen with Heroick Chime, And still resolve to live and die in Rhime; Such as your E••res with Love, and Honour feast, And play at Crambo for three houres at least: That Fight, and wooe in Verse in the same breath, And make Similitudes, and Love in Death: —But if you love a fool, he bid me say, He has great choyce to shew you in his Play; (To do•• you service) I am one to day. VVell Gallants, 'tis his first, Faith, let it goe, Iust as old Gamesters by young Bubbles do: This first and smaller Stake let him but win, And for a greater Summ you'le draw him in, Or use our Poet, as you would a Hare, VVhich when she's hunted down, for Sport you spare. At length take up, and, damne no more for shame, For if you onely at the Qu••rrey aime, This Critick poaching, will destroy your Game.