Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 10 of 10

Chapter 34: EPILOGUE.

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About This Book

A curated volume presents a set of early modern dramatic works by two collaborators, offering tragedies, comedies, a masque, and linked moral entertainments. The plays stage conflicts over honor, sexual reputation, jealousy, and political power, often mixing serious moral dilemmas with satirical or farcical elements. Scenes alternate between forceful rhetorical passages and lively repartee, with stage directions and lyrical interludes punctuating the action. An editorial preface and appendix situate the texts and provide scholarly notes and variants. The collection showcases theatrical variety: intimate domestic disputes, courtly spectacle, and allegorical moralizations that probe human vanity, desire, and social reputation.

EPILOGUE.

Our Poet bid us say for his own part,
He cannot lay too much forth of his Art:
But fears our over-acting passions may,
As not adorn, deface his labour'd Play,
Yet still he's resolute, for what is writ
Of Nicer valour, and assumes the wit:
But for the Love-Scænes which he ever meant,
Cupid in's Peticoat should represent,
He'll stand no shock of censure; the Play's good,
He says he knows it, (if well understood.)
But we (blind god) beg, if thou art Divine,
Thou'lt shoot thy Arrows round, this Play was thine.