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

furnished;
and I would have none say, they pay twice for the same Booke.

One thing I must answer before it bee objected; 'tis this: When these
_Comedies_ and _Tragedies_ were presented on the Stage, the
_Actours_ omitted some _Scenes_ and Passages (with the _Authour's_
consent) as occasion led them; and when private friends desir'd a Copy,
they then (and justly too) transcribed what they _Acted_. But now you
have both All that was _Acted_, and all that was not; even the perfect
full Originalls without the least mutilation; So that were the
_Authours_ 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