The Brittish Princes: An Heroick Poem/Author's Dedication

by Edward Howard

TO THE

HONOURABLE

Henry Lord Howard,

Second Brother to his Grace the

DUKE of NORFOLKE.

The Authors Dedication of this Heroick Poem.

My LORD,

WHatsoever Reception this Poem meets from the World, my Dedication cannot be censur'd, since made to you; who are justly rendred no less great in Heroick Examples; than you are Illustrious by Birth; whil'st you so abound in all the Vertues of your Antient and Noble Predecessors, that you are beforehand with Honor, e'r you possess those high titles which are so justly your expectation, and earnest desires of your Name, to see in due time accomplished in you: And as an Heroick Poem ought to be a Present to the most conspicuous in merit, so it cannot but receive some credit in being addressed to you; as you have a Title from the worth and greatness of your own Actions, to the Patronage of all worthy Subjects, for which cause you may less blame my Ambition, in dedicating to you this Poem, being assured, inyou, are summ'd all the Virtues of its Bittish Hero's, which the best abilities of my Muse have been able (though with the advantage of fiction) to make their glories: And if you judge it worth the entertaining some minutes of your leisure, I shall think it wants no Dignity, it being my greater ambition, to publish my respects to you, than to court fame, which the world so sparingly bestowes, as if there were no consideration for desert in any kind; nor are the spirits of men less satisfied in any accomplishment, than in the value of wit, which seldom misses the Allay of detraction, as it passes the world; where if it meets a due Reception from the Generous, and truely Ingenious, the labour of lines is enough rewarded; amongst whom, as I have placed your worth the first in my thoughts, so I commend this Poem to your judicious acceptance, with all other acknowlegements becoming

My Lord

Your humble Servant

E. Howard.

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