_Had they beene lesse then all the_ Treasure _we had contrasted in the
whole Age of_ Poesie _(some few Poems of their owne excepted, which
already published, command their entertainement, with all lovers of_ Art
_and_ Language) _or were they not, the most justly admir'd, and beloved
Pieces of_ Witt _and the_ World, _wee should have taught our selves a
lesse Ambition.
Be pleased to accept this humble tender of our duties, and till we faile
in our obedience to all your Commands, vouchsafe, we may be knowne by
the_ Cognizance _and_ Character _of_
MY LORD,
Your Honours most bounden
_John Lowin
Richard Robinson
Eyloerd Swanston
Hugh Clearke
Stephen Hammerton
Joseph Taylor
Robert Benfeild
Thomas Pollard
William Allen
Theophilus Byrd_.
TO THE READER.
Poetry _is the_ Child _of_ Nature, _which regulated and made beautifull by
Art, presenteth the most Harmonious of all other compositions; among
which (if we rightly consider) the_ Dramaticall _is the most absolute,
in regard of those transcendent_ Abilities, which should waite upon the_
Composer; _who must have more then the instruction of Libraries which
of it selfe is but a cold contemplative knowledge there being required
in him a_ Soule _miraculously knowing, and conversing with all mankind,
inabling him to expresse not onely the Phlegme and folly of_ thick-skin'd
men, _but the strength and maturity of the wise, the Aire and
insinuations of the_ Court, _the discipline and Resolution of the
Soldier, the Vertues and passions of every noble condition, nay the
councells and charailers of the greatest Princes.
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