So please your Grace, the Prologue is addressed
Philostrate
So please your Grace, the Prologue is addressed.
Theseus
Let him approach.
His speech was like a tangled chain—nothing
impaired, but all disordered.
Enter the Prologue.
Prologue
If we offend, it is with our goodwill.
That you should think we come not to offend,
But with goodwill. To show our simple skill,
That is the true beginning of our end.
Consider, then, we come but in despite.
We do not come, as minding to content you,
Our true intent is. All for your delight
We are not here. That you should here repent you,
The actors are at hand, and, by their show,
You shall know all that you are like to know.
Prologue exits.
Theseus
This fellow doth not stand upon points.
Lysander
He hath rid his prologue like a rough colt;
he knows not the stop.Simile A good moral, my lord: it is
not enough to speak, but to speak true.
Hippolyta
Indeed he hath played on this prologue like a child
on a recorder—a sound, but not in government.Simile
Theseus
His speech was like a tangled chain—nothing
impaired, but all disordered.Simile