To the Reader.

This Figure, that thou here seest put,
It was for gentle Shakespeare cut;
Wherein the Graver had a strife

With Nature to out-doo the life:
O, could he but have drawne his wit
As well in brasse, as he hath hit
His face, the Print would then surpasse
All, that was ever writ in brasse.
But, since he cannot, Reader, looke

Not on his Picture, but his Booke.

B. I.

295

Dramatic Works

OF

SHAKESPEARE

THE TEXT OF THE FIRST EDITION

VOLUME FIRST

LONDON

CHATTO & WINDUS

1885