SOURCE: Ford, John. “Prologue to Perkin Warbeck.” In The Dramatic Works of John Ford, Vol. II, edited by W. Gifford, p. 1. London: John Murray, 1831.

In the following prologue to Perkin Warbeck, first published in 1634, Ford states his reasons for attempting to revive the unfashionable history play genre.

Studies have, of this nature, been of late, So out of fashion, so unfollowed, that It is become more justice, to revive The antic follies of the times, than strive To countenance wise industry: no want Of art doth render wit, or lame, or scant, Or slothful, in the purchase of fresh bays; But want of truth in them, who give the praise To their self-love, presuming to out-do The writer, or (for need) the actors too. But such the author's silence best befits, Who bids them be in love with their own wits. From him, to clearer judgments, we can...