I may by right some later writers blame, Of stories olde, as rude or negligent: Or else I may them wel vnlearned name, Or heedlesse in those thinges about they went: Some time on me as well they might haue spent,[693] As on such traytours, tyrants, harlots, those Which to their countreyes were the deadliest foes.[694] 2. Ne for my selfe I would not[695] this recite, (Although I haue occasion good thereto) But sure, me thinkes it is too great despite These men to others and their countreyes do,[696] For there are _Britaynes_, neyther one or two, Whose names in stories scarcely once appeare: And yet their liues examples worthie were. 3. T’s worthie prayse (I graunt) to write the endes Of vicious men, and teach the like beware: For what hath he of vertue that commendes Such persons lewde, as naught of vertue’s care: But for to leaue out those prayse-worthie are, Is like as if a man had not the skill To prayse the good, but discommend the ill. 4. I craue no prayse, although my selfe deseru’d As great a laude as any _Britayne_ yore:[697] But I would haue it tolde how well I seru’d My Prince and Countrye, Fayth to both I bore: All noble hearts hereby with courage more May both their forayne foes in fight[698] withstand, And of their enmies haue[699] the vpper hand. 5. Agayne, to shewe how valiaunt then wee were (You _Britaynes_ good) to moue your hearts thereby, All other nations lesse in fight to feare, And for your countrye rather so to die With valiaunt hauty courage, as did I, Then liue in bondage, seruice, slauery, thrall Of forayne powres, which hate your manhood all. 6. Doe giue mee leaue to speake but euen a while, And marke, and write the story I thee tell: By North from _London_ more then fifty mile, There lies the Isle of _Ely_ knowne full well, Wherein my father built a place to dwell: And for because hee liked well the same, Hee gaue the place hee _Ely_ hight his name.[700] 7.[701] ’Tis namde the Isle of _Ely_ yet, perdy My father namde it so: yet writers misse, Or if I may bee bolde to say, they ly Of him, which tell that farre vntruth like is: What truth (I pray you) seemes to bee in this Hee _Ely_ lou’d, a goodly place built there, Most it delited, raygnde not full a yeare.[702] 8.