To Signior No-body.
Worthlesse
sir, I present you with these my vnperfect
labours, knowing that what defect in me or neglect
in the Printer hath left vnperfect, iudgement
in you will winke at, if not thinke absolute. Being
to turne a poore friendlesse childe into the world,
yet sufficiently featur'd too, had it been all of one
mans getting, (woe to the iniquitie of Time the whilest) my desire
is to preferre him to your seruice: in which, as he shall be sure to get
nothing, so likewise my hope is, he shall not loose much: For your
bountie neither makes straungers loue you, nor your followers enuie
you: you are a Patrone worthie the Sister-hood, I meane, the poore
halfe dozen, for the Three Elders, they climbe aboue my element:
the Sunne, the Moone, and the seuen Stars being scarce worthy the
suruey of their workings: I protest I had rather bestow my paynes on
your good worship for a brace of Angells certaine, then stand to the
bountie of a Better-mans Purse-bearer, or a very good womane
Gentlemā-vsher: my reason is I cannot attēd: your Bis dat, qui citò
stands so like a Load-stone ouer your greate gate, that I feare, twill
drawe all the Iron-pated Muse-mongers about the towne in a short
time to your patronage. For mine owne part I had rather bee yours
volens, then be driuen Nolens: So till I meete you next at your great
Castle in Fish-street, ile neither taste of your bountie, nor be drunke
to your health.
One
of your first followers,
Iohn Daye.
