Classic Poem

It is a principle by nature wrote
In all our understanding, there is not
One art or action but it must tend,
And move from some beginning, to its end.
The soldiers, that wear the honour'd bays
Upon their brows, and glorious trophies raise
To fame on pile of wounds, knew a time when
They suck'd at war: your Muse-inspired men
And of diviner earth, sacred for wit,
Crept out of their first elements to it:
The goodliest harvest had first seed and hope,
Ere it could lade with an enriching crop
The rural team: th'exactest building first
Grew from a stone, though afterward it durst
Wrap his fair head in clouds: nothing so true
As all things have beginning. Upon you
Dwell candid application: this play is
The first fruits of a Muse, that before this
Never saluted audience, nor doth mean
To swear himself a factor for the scene.
Though he employ some hours, he only prays
You take it as first-born, although he says
He meant it not his heir, since 'tis unjust
One should have all, as in the law it must.
Accept then a beginning: all men know,
He first kiss'd bays, that wore them on his brow.

Dramatis personae

Cornelio, an ancient gentleman .
Infortunio, a gentleman, lover of Selina.
Rufaldo, an old merchant .
Antonio, son to Cornelio, in love with Hilaria.
Gasparo, a gentleman, lover of Felice.
Bubulcus, a rich gull, in love with Hilaria.
Jenkin, a Welshman .
Jocarello, his page .
Gorgon, Antonio's servant .
Ingeniolo, a justice's clerk .
Orlando Furioso, a roarer .
An old Countryman.
Oaf, his son .
Shepherds.

Selina, Cornelio's daughter .
Felice, her sister .
Hilaria, Rufaldo's daughter .
Delia, a chambermaid .
Medulla, a country gentlewoman .
Shepherdesses.
Officers, Servants .