To the right honourable the Earle of Northumberland

he sacred Muses haue made alwaies clame To be the Nourses of nobility, And Registres of euerlasting fame, To all that armes professe and cheualry. Then by like right the noble Progeny, Which them succeed in fame and worth, are tyde T'embrace the seruice of sweete Poetry, By whose endeuours they are glorifide, And eke from all, of whom it is enuide, To patronize the authour of their praise, Which giues them life, that els would soone haue dide, And crownes their ashes with immortall baies. To thee therefore right noble Lord I send This present of my paines, it to defend.