SIR,--Not to boast of any perfections, I have never yet been owner of ingratitude, and would be loth envy should tax me now, having at this time opportunity to pay part of that debt I owe your love. This tragedy had at the presentment a general applause; yet I have not that want of modesty as to conclude it wholly worthy your patronage, although I have been bold to fix your name unto it. Yet, however, your charity will be famous in protecting this plant from the breath of Zoilus, and forgiving this my confidence, and your acceptance cherish a study of a more deserving piece, to quit the remainder of the engagement. In Your kinsman, ready to serve you, THOMAS RAWLINS. TO THE READER. READER, if courteous, I have not so little faith as to fear thy censure, since thou knowest youth hath many faults, whereon I depend, although my ignorance of the stage is also a sufficient excuse. If I have committed any, let thy candour judge mildly of them; and think not those voluntary favours of my friends (by whose compulsive persuasions I have published this) are commendations of my seeking, or through a desire in me to increase the volume, but rather a care that you (since that I have been over-entreated to present it to you) might find therein something worth your time. Take no notice of my name, for a second work of this nature shall hardly bear it. I have no desire to be known by a threadbare cloak, having a calling that will maintain it woolly. Farewell. TO HIS LOVING FRIEND THE AUTHOR, UPON HIS TRAGEDY "THE REBELLION." To praise thee, friend, and show the reason why, Issues from honest love, not flattery. My will is not to flatter, nor for spite To praise or dispraise, but to do thee right Proud daring rebels in their impious way Of Machiavellian darkness this thy play Exactly shows; speaks thee truth's satirist, Rebellion's foe, time's honest artist. Thy continu'd scenes, parts, plots, and language can Distinguish (worthily) the virtuous man From the vicious villain, earth's fatal ill, Intending mischievous traitor Machiavel. Him and his treach'rous 'complices, that strove (Like the gigantic rebels war 'gainst Jove) To disenthrone Spain's king (the Heaven's anointed), By stern death all were justly disappointed. Plots meet with counterplots, revenge and blood: Rebels' ruin makes thy tragedy good. NATH. RICHARDS.[5] TO HIS WORTHY ESTEEMED MASTER, THOMAS RAWLINS, ON HIS "REBELLION."