Simul & jucunda, & idonea dicere vitæ. Horat. LONDON: Printed for D. Midwinter, J. and P. Knapton, H. Knap- M DCC XXXIX. The ARGUMENT. Volpone, Childless, Rich, feigns Sick, Defpairs. N PROLOGUE. OW, Luck yet fend us, and a little Wit (According to the Palates of the Season) And not as fome (whofe Throats ther Envy failing) And when his Plays come forth, think they can flout them, To these there needs no Lie, but this his Creature, Yet thus much I can give you, as a Token Nor hales he in a Gull, old Ends reciting, With fuch a deal of monftrous and forc'd Action, A 3 Nor Nor made he his Play for Jefts fol'n from each Table, As beft Criticks have defigned: The Laws of Time, Place, Perfons he obferveth, All Gall and Copprefs from his Ink he draineth, Wherewith he'll Rub your Cheeks, till (Red with Laughter) Fine Madam Would be, the Knight's Wife. Commandadori, Officers. Mercatori, three Merchants. Servitore, a Servant. |