Only in this I must confess we are both to blame, that whereas he having promised to keep private the original; and I, the copy, secret: we have both consented to send it abroad, as common; presuming chiefly upon your accustomed courtesies. Assuring ourselves, if we may have your protections, we shall think ourselves as safe as ULYSSES did, when he was shadowed under the shield of PALLAS against furious AJAX; so we, by your countenances, shall be sufficiently furnished to encounter against any foul-mouthed JACKS whatsoever. To censure of this Work is for better wits than mine own: and it is for Poets, not Printers [_This therefore was written by VALENTINE SIMMES, the Printer of this Book. See also page 340_] to give judgement of this matter. Yet, if I may be bold to report what I have heard other Gentlemen affirm, Many have written worse; Some, better; Few, so well. The Work, being so full of Choice and Change as, it is thought, it will rather delight every way than dislike any way. Thus, courteous Gentlemen, building upon my wonted foundation of your friendly acceptance, I rest your debtors; and will study, in what I can, daily to make you amends. Yours always [VALENTINE SIMMES.] [Illustration] _Alla bellissima sua Signora._ _E. C._ [The Lady's name was E. CARIL: see Book II., Poem XXXIII., at page 313.] THROUGH thee, not of thee, Lady fair I write; Through power of Beauty, not of Virtues, thine: With zealous will, though slender be my might, I, weakling, seek an eagle's nest to climb. Then guide my feet! and if to slip I chance, Uphold me by the favour of thy glance! Accept in gree these verses rudely penned; A sign of duty which to thee I owe: And deign with sweet regard them to defend; Which as condemnèd else are like to go. In thee, it rests the stamp on them to set: If current, Pass! Suppressed! if counterfeit. [Sidenote: R and T stand here, and elsewhere, for the initials of the Author. E.A.] And though the note, thy praises only fit, Of sweetest bird, the dulcet nightingale: Disdain not little Robin RedbreasT yet! [_A line wanting._] What he doth want in learning or in skill; He doth supply with zeal of his good will For only Thee, they were devised alone: And unto Thee, they dedicated are. Who knows? Perhaps this kindness, by thee shown, Shall make this glimpse shine like a glittering star. Such is thy virtue in the World his sight; Thy crow though black, may go for swan most white. Then doubt me not, though parted we remain: In England thou; and I in Italy. As I did part, I will return again, Loyal to thee; or else with shame I'll die! True Lovers, when they travel countries strange, The air, and not their constant minds, do change. _Coelum, non animum, mutant, qui trans mare currunt._