Chapter LXXXII: Prologue

A CITIZEN.
HIS WIFE.
RALPH,[2944] his Apprentice.
Boys.

VENTUREWELL, a Merchant.
HUMPHREY.
MERRYTHOUGHT.
JASPER, }
MICHAEL,} His Sons.
TIM, }
GEORGE, } Apprentices.
WILLIAM HAMMERTON.
GEORGE GREENGOOSE.
Host.
Tapster.
Barber.
Three Men, supposed captives.
Sergeant.
Soldiers and Attendants.

LUCE, Daughter of Venturewell.
MISTRESS MERRYTHOUGHT.
POMPIONA, Daughter of the King of Moldavia.
Woman, supposed a captive.

SCENE.—_London and the neighbouring Country, excepting Act IV, Scene II, where it is in Moldavia._]

TO THE READERS OF THIS COMEDY[2945]

GENTLEMEN;

The world is so nice[2946] in these our times, that for apparel there is no fashion: for music (which is a rare art, though now slighted) no instrument; for diet, none but the French kickshaws that are delicate; and for plays, no invention but that which now runneth an invective way, touching some particular persons, or else it is contemned before it is thoroughly understood. This is all that I have to say: that the author had no intent to wrong any one in this comedy; but, as a merry passage, here and there interlaced it with delight, which he hopes will please all, and be hurtful to none.