Ecclesiastes, othervvise called The preacher Containing Salomons sermons or commentaries (as it may probably be collected) vpon the 49. Psalme of Dauid his father. Compendiously abridged, and also paraphrastically dilated in English poesie, according to the analogie of Scripture, and consent of the most approued writer thereof. Composed by H.L. Gentleman. Whereunto are annexed sundrie sonets of Christian passions heretofore printed, and now corrected and augmented, with other affectionate sonets of a feeling conscience of the same authors.

To the valorous Knight, Sir William Russell, Lord Deputie of Ireland.

IF iustly Dauid did by law ordaine, That they an equall part of spoyle should haue, Who (when he fought) behind did still remaine, The carriage from the spoyle of foes to saue: Doth not your merits by more reason craue, To be recorded in my Kalender? By whose blest worke, God of his goodnesse gaue Part of our peace, amidst such threatned warre? In worthy vertues, most mens peere you are, In true religious zeale, by none exceld; Your noble house (like to a blazing starre) Hath showne, wherein true honour euer dweld: Then share with worthies all in blessed fame, And reade this worke, which treateth of the same.