Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PROLOGUE TO A PLAY PRESENTED BEFORE THE KING AND QUEEN .. AT WHITEHALL, by THOMAS CAREW


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PROLOGUE TO A PLAY PRESENTED BEFORE THE KING AND QUEEN .. AT WHITEHALL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Since you have been pleas'd this night to unbend
Last Line: Painters and us, and gilds your poet's bays.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights


SIR,
Since you have been pleas'd this night to unbend
Your serious thoughts, and with your person lend
Your palace out, and so are hither come
A stranger, in your own house not at home;
Divesting state, as if you meant alone
To make your servant's loyal heart your throne:
Oh, see how wide these valves themselves display
To entertain his royal guests! survey
What arcs triumphal, statues, altars, shrines,
Inscrib'd to your great names, he these assigns:
So from that stock of zeal, his coarse cates may
Borrow some relish, though but thinly they
Cover'd his narrow table: so may these
Succeeding trifles by that title please.
Else, gracious Madam, must the influence
Of your fair eyes propitious beams dispense,
To crown such pastimes as he could provide
To oil the lazy minutes as they slide.
For well he knows upon your smile depends
This night success; since that alone commends
All his endeavours, gives the music praise,
Painters and us, and gilds your poet's bays.





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