The SCENE, in the beginning of the fifth g&, is in Mantua, during all the rest of the play, in and near Verona.

P

ROL

OGUE.

WO boufholds, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, (where we lay our fcene),
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny;

T

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,

A pair of far-cross'd lovers take their life; Whofe mifadventur'd piteous overthrows

Do, with their death, bury their parents' ftrife. The fearful paffage of their death-mark'd love, And the continuance of their parent's rage.

• The plot of this play is taken from an Italian novel af Bandelle. VOL. VIII. A