Page:The Jew of Malta - Marlowe (1633).pdf/15



Racious and Great, that we so boldly dare, ('Mongst other Playes that now in fashion are) To present this; writ many yeares agone, And in that Age, thought second unto none; We humbly crave your pardon: we pursue The story of a rich and famous Jew Who liv'd in Malta: you shall find him still, In all his projects, a sound Machevill; And that's his Character: He that hath past So many Censures, is now come at last To have your princely Eares, grace you him; then You crowne the Action, and renowne the pen.

is our feare (dread Soveraigne) we have bin Too tedious; neither can't be lesse than sinne To wrong your Princely patience: If we have, (Thus low dejected) we your pardon crave: And if ought here offend your eare or sight, We onely Act, and Speake, what others write.