DEDICATION TO THE EDITION OF 1626.
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
THE
LADY ELIZABETH COUNTESSE OF BANBURY, &c.
RIGHT HONOURABLE,
It was my good happe not longe since, in a Friends House, to light upon a briefe History of the Life, Arraignement, and Death of that Mirrour of all true Honour, and Vertue, Syr Thomas More, who by his Wisdome, Learning, and Santity, hath eternized his Name, Countrey, and Profession, throughout the Christian World, with immortal Glory, and Renowne.
Finding, by perusal therof, the same replenished with incoparable Treasures, of no lesse Worthy, and most Christian Factes, then of Wise, and Religious Sentences Apophthegmes, and Sayings; I deemed it not only an errour to permit so great a light to ly buried, as it were, within the walls of one private Family: but also judged it worthy the Presse, even of a golden Character (if it were to be had) to the end, the whole World might receave comfort and profit by reading the same.
Having made this Resolution, a Difficultie presented itselfe to my Thoughts, under whose Shadow, or Patronage I might best shelter the Worke: unto which strife Your Ladiship occurring to my cogitations, put an End, with the Beams of your Worth, and Honour; so dazeling my Eyes, as I could discerne none other more Fit, or Worthy to imbrace, and protect so Glorious and memorable Example.
Of whose Goodnes I am so confident that without further debate, I judge, this Enterchange of Freendshippe may worthily be made betweene the Saint and You. You (Madame) shal Patronize his Honour heere on Earth; and He shall become a Patrone and Intercessour for You in Heaven,