The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher in Ten Volumes - Volume I | Page 5

living, (and sure they can never dye) they themselves would challenge neither more nor lesse then what is here published; this Volume being now so compleate and finish'd, that the Reader must expect no future Alterations.
For _literall Errours_ committed by the Printer, 'tis the fashion to aske pardon, and as much in fashion to take no notice of him that asks it; but in this also I have done my endeavour. 'Twere vaine to mention the _Chargeablenesse_ of this Work; for those who own'd the _Manuscripts_, too well knew their value to make a cheap estimate of any of these Pieces, and though another joyn'd with me in the _Purchase_ and Printing, yet the _Care & Pains_ was wholly mine, which I found to be more then you'l easily imagine, unlesse you knew into how many hands the Originalls were dispersed. They are all now happily met in this Book, having escaped these _Publike Troubles_, free and unmangled. Heretofore when Gentlemen desired but a Copy of any of these _Playes_, the meanest piece here (if any may be called Meane where every one is Best) cost them more then foure times the price you pay for the whole _Volume_.
I should scarce have adventured in these slippery times on such a work as this, if knowing persons had not generally assured mee that these _Authors_ were the most unquestionable Wits this Kingdome hath afforded. Mr. _Beaumont_ was ever acknowledged a man of a most strong and searching braine; and (his yeares considered) the most _Judicious Wit_ these later Ages have produced; he dyed young, for (which was an invaluable losse to this Nation) he left the world when hee was not full thirty yeares old. Mr. _Fletcher_ survived, and lived till almost fifty; whereof the World now enjoyes the benefit. It was once in my thoughts to have Printed Mr. _Fletcher's_ workes by themselves, because single & alone he would make a _Just Volume_: But since never parted while they lived, I conceived it not equitable to seperate their ashes.
It becomes not me to say (though it be a knowne Truth) that these _Authors_ had not only High unexpressible gifts of _Nature_, but also excellent _acquired Parts_, being furnished with Arts and Sciences by that liberall education they had at the _University_, which sure is the best place to make a great Wit understand it selfe; this their workes will soone make evident. I was very ambitious to have got Mr. Beaumonts picture; but could not possibly, though I spared no enquirie in those _Noble Families_ whence he was descended, as also among those Gentlemen that were his acquaintance when he was of the _Inner Temple_: the best Pictures and those most like him you'll finde in this _Volume_. This figure of Mr. _Fletcher_ was cut by severall Originall Pieces, which his friends lent me, but withall they tell me, that his unimitable Soule did shine through his countenance in such _Ayre_ and _Spirit_, that the Painters confessed, it was not easie to expresse him: As much as could be, you have here, and the _Graver_ hath done his part. What ever I have scene of Mr. _Fletchers_ owne hand, is free from interlining; and his friends affirme he never writ any one thing twice: it seemes he had that rare felicity to prepare and perfect all first in his owne braine; to shape and attire his _Notions_, to adde or loppe off, before he committed one word to writing, and never touched pen till all was to stand as firme and immutable as if ingraven in Brasse or Marble. But I keepe you too long from those _friends_ of his whom 'tis fitter for you to read; only accept of the honest endeavours of
_One that is a Servant to you all_
HUMPHREY MOSELEY.?_At the_ Princes Armes _in_?St Pauls _Church-yard_. Feb._ 14th 1646.
To the Stationer.
_Tell the sad World that now the lab'ring Presse?Has brought forth safe a Child of happinesse,?The Frontis-piece will satisfie the wise?And good so well, they will not grudge the price.?'Tis not all Kingdomes joyn'd in one could buy?(If priz'd aright) so true a Library?Of man: where we the characters may finde?Of ev'ry Nobler and each baser minde.?Desert has here reward in one good line?For all it lost, for all it might repine:?Vile and ignobler things are open laid,?The truth of their false colours are displayed:?You'l say the Poet's both best Judge and Priest,?No guilty soule abides so sharp a test?As their smooth Pen; for what these rare men writ?Commands the World, both Honesty and Wit_.
GRANDISON.
IN MEMORY OF Mr. JOHN FLETCHER.
_Me thought our_ Fletcher _weary of this croud,?Wherein so few have witt, yet all are loud,?Unto Elyzium fled, where he alone?Might his own witt admire and ours bemoane;?But soone upon those Flowry Bankes, a throng?Worthy of those even numbers