Henry VIII: Act 5, Epilogue

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Scene Summary

The epilogue jokes that it is ten to one this play can never please everyone — some came to sleep through an act or two, others to hear the city abused. Its real hope rests on the merciful construction of good women, because the play showed them one; and if the women approve, the men will have to clap when their ladies bid them.

'Tis ten to one this play can never please

All that are here: some come to take their ease,

And sleep an act or two; but those, we fear,

We have frighted with our trumpets; so, 'tis clear,

They'll say 'tis naught: others, to hear the city

Abused extremely, and to cry 'That's witty!'

Which we have not done neither: that, I fear,

All the expected good we're like to hear

For this play at this time, is only in

The merciful construction of good women;

For such a one we show'd 'em: if they smile,

And say 'twill do, I know, within a while

All the best men are ours; for 'tis ill hap,

If they hold when their ladies bid 'em clap.