Daphnaïda/Dedication
To the right Hono-
rable and vertuous Lady Helena
Marqueße of North-hampton.
Haue the rather preſumed humbly to offer vnto your Honor the dedication of this little Poëme, for that the noble and vertuous Gentlewoman of whom it is written, was by match neere alied, and in affection greatly deuoted vnto your Ladiſhip. The occaſion why I wrote the ſame, was aſ well the great good fame which I heard of her deceaſſed, as the particular good will which I beare vnto her huſband Maſter Arthure Gorges, a louer of learning and verture, whoſe houſe as your Ladiſhip by marriage hath honoured, ſo doo I finde the name of them by many notable records, to be of great antiquitie in this Realm; and ſuch as haue ever borne themſelves with honorable reputation to the world, and unſpotted loyaltie to their Prince and Countrey: beſides ſo linially are they deſcended from the Howards, as that the Lady Anne Howard, eldeſt daughter to Iohn Duke of Norfolke, was wife to Sir Edmund, mother to Sir Edward, and grandmother to Sir William and Sir Thomas Gorges Knights. And therefore I doo aſſure my ſelfe that no due honour done to the white Lyon, but will be moſt gratefull to your Ladiſhip, whoſe huſband and children doo ſo neerely participate with the bloud of that noble familie. So in all duetie, I recommend this Pamphlet, & the good acceptance thereof to your honorable fauour and protection. London this firſt of January, 1591.
Your Honors humbly euer.
E. Sp.