Consider, then, we come but in despite.

We do not come as minding to content you,

Our true intent is.

All for your delight,

We are not here. That you should here repent you,
The actors are at hand; and, by their show,
You shall know all that you are like to know."
Theseus.

"This fellow does not stand upon points." Lysander. "He hath rid his prologue like a colt; he knows not the stop. A good moral, my lord: it is not enough to speak, but to speak true."

Hippolyte. "Indeed he hath played on his prologue like a child on a recorder; a sound, but not in government."

Theseus.

"His speech was like a tangled chain; no

thing impaired but all disordered."

The above prologue ought to have been punctuated and delivered as follows:

"If we offend, it is with our good will

That you should think we come not to offend;
But with good will to show our simple skill.
This is the true beginning of our end.
Consider, then, we come; but in despite

We do not come; as, minding to content you,
Our true intent is all for your delight.

We are not here that you should here repent you.

The actors are at hand; and, by their show,

You shall know all that you are like to know."

Appendix.