The History of Sir John Oldcastle, the good Lord Cobham | ||
THE PROLOGUE.
The doubfull Title (Gentlemen) prefixtUpon the Argument we have in hand,
May breed suspence, and wrongfully disturb
The peacefull quiet of your setled thoughts:
To stop which scruple, let this brief suffice.
It is no pamper'd Glutton we present,
Nor aged Counsellor to youthfull sin;
But one, whose vertue shone above the rest,
A valiant Martyr, and a vertuous Peer,
In whose true faith and loyalty exprest
Unto his Soveraigne, and his Countries weal:
We strive to pay that tribute of our love
Your favours merit: Let fair truth be grac'd,
Since forg'd invention former time defac'd.
The History of Sir John Oldcastle, the good Lord Cobham | ||