TO THE MOST EXCELLENT

VERTUOUS, AND NOBLE PRINCESSE,

ELIZABETH,

BY THE GRACE OF GOD, QUEENE OF

ENGLAND, FRANCE AND IRELAND,

DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, &c.

MOST renowned (and most worthy to be most renowned) Soveraigne Ladie; I presume to offer to your Highnesse this first part of the fruit of the little garden of my slender skill. It hath been the longer in growing, and is the lesse worthy the gathering, because my ground is barren and too cold for such dainty Italian fruits, being also perhaps over-shaded with trees of some older growth: but the beams of your blessed countenance, vouchsafing to shine on so poore a soile, shall soone disperse all hurtfull mists that would obscure it, and easily dissolve all (whether they be Mel-dews, or Fel-dews) that would sterve this shallow set plant. I desire to be briefe, because I love to be plaine. Whatsoever I am or can, is your Majesties. Your gracious favours have been extended in my poore family even to the third generation, your bounty to us and our heires. Wherefore this (though unperfect and unworthy worke) I humbly recommend to that gracious protection, under which I enjoy all in which I can take joy. If your Highnesse will read it, who dare reject it? if allow it, who can reproove it? if protect it, what MOMUS barking, or ZOILUS biting can any way hurt or annoy it? And thus most humbly craving pardon for this boldnesse, I cease to write, though I will not cease to wish, that your high felicities may never cease.

Your most humble servant,

JOHN HARINGTON.