To The Countess Of S[Underland?] With The Holy Court.[1:1]

Since every place you bless, the name This book assumes may justlier claim. (What more a court than where you shine? And where your soul, what more divine?) You may perhaps doubt at first sight That it usurps upon your right; And praising virtues that belong To you, in others, doth you wrong. No, 'tis yourself you read, in all Perfections earlier ages call Their own; all glories they e'er knew Were but faint prophecies of you. You then have here sole interest, whom 'tis meant As well to entertain, as represent.