How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #10
EPILOGUE
For this play at this time is only in
The merciful construction of good women,
For such a one we showed '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. (Epilogue.9-14)
The Epilogue gives us instructions on how to react to what we have just seen performed. Did you notice how the focus is on the ladies? It's not about the gents, or even the content, as much as it is about the women. Since they are virtuous, we should like the play. Hmm… why would Shakespeare want us to leave the theater with this idea about women? In about a play about Henry VIII, of all things?