Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Henry The Eighth (Modern)
  • Editor: Diane Jakacki

  • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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 (Modern)

    [Enter Epilogue.]
    3450Epilogue
    'Tis ten to one, this play can never please
    All that are here. Some come to take their ease
    And sleep an act or two; but those we fear
    W'have frighted with our trumpets. So 'tis clear,
    They'll say 'tis naught. Others, to hear the City
    3455Abused extremely, and to cry 'that's witty',
    Which we have not done neither; that, I fear,
    All the expected good w'are like to hear.
    For this play at this time is only in
    The merciful construction of good women,
    3460For such a one we showed 'em. If they smile
    And say twill do, I know within a while
    All the best men are ours; for 'tis ill hap,
    If they hold, when their ladies bid 'em clap.