Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: The History of Sir John Oldcastle (Folio 3, 1664)
  • Editor: Michael Best

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Authors: Anonymous, Michael Drayton, Richard Hathway, Antony Munday, William Shakespeare, Robert Wilson
    Editor: Michael Best
    Not Peer Reviewed

    The History of Sir John Oldcastle (Folio 3, 1664)

    1The History of Sir John Oldcastle,
    the good Lord Cobham.
    THE PROLOGUE
    THe doubfull Title (Gentlemen) prefixt
    5Upon the Argument we have in hand,
    May breed suspence, and wrongfully disturb
    The peacefull quiet of your setled thoughts:
    To stop which scruple, let this brief suffice.
    It is no pamper'd Glutton we present,
    10Nor aged Counsellor to youthfull sin;
    But one, whose vertue shone above the rest,
    A valiant Martyr, and a vertuous Peer,
    In whose true faith and loyalty exprest
    Unto his Soveraigne, and his Countries weal:
    15We strive to pay that tribute of our love
    Your favours merit: Let fair truth be grac'd,
    Since forg'd invention former time defac'd.