Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Henry The Eighth (Folio 1, 1623)
  • Editor: Diane Jakacki
  • Research assistant: Beth Norris
  • Research assistant (proof): Simon Carpenter

  • Copyright Diane Jakacki. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Diane Jakacki
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Henry The Eighth (Folio 1, 1623)

    THE EPILOGVE.
    3450Tis ten to one, this Play can neuer please
    All that are heere: Some come to take their ease,
    And sleepe an Act or two; but those we feare
    W'haue frighted with our Trumpets: so 'tis cleare,
    They'l say tis naught. Others to heare the City
    3455Abus'd extreamly, and to cry that's witty,
    Which wee haue not done neither; that I feare
    All the expected good w'are like to heare.
    For this Play at this time, is onely in
    The mercifull construction of good women,
    3460For such a one we shew'd 'em: If they smile,
    And say twill doe; I know within a while,
    All the best men are ours; for 'tis ill hap,
    If they hold, when their Ladies bid 'em clap.
    FINIS.