The betraying of Christ Iudas in despaire. The seuen words of our Sauior on the crosse. With other poems on the Passion.

TO THE RIGHT WOR∣shipfull, Sir Nicholas Walsh Knight, cheefe Iustice of her Maiesties court of common pleas in Ireland, and of her Highnesse counsaile there.

ALbeit (right Worshipfull) that the art of Poesie is in sort dealt withall, as Cacus once vsed Hercules oxen, when he drew them backewards vp the hill: being customarily in these daies wrested and turned to the fooleries of Loue, and such like base subiect of fancies abortiue births, conuer∣ting Poetries imploiment to follies vse, and wit ill spent runnes violent that way, with the current of errour. Yet hath it a natiue diuine off-spring and issue, wherof partaking kindly, floates with a calme tempered gale from all

miscarying wracke, to the harbour of a quiet applause. The vpright and best approoued censure I presume gains your Worships ver∣tuous allowance, to whose wisdome and gra∣uitie associate with an heroicall sprite, I dedi∣cate affections testimony by these vnpolished lines, crauing your fauourable fault-shadow∣ing view, if in the manner any thing appeare defectiue, trusting that as a fruitfull tree the more it is fruitladen, the more it declineth, so your plenteous accōplished vertues wil hum∣ble them in daining to accept the loue I reue∣rence you withall: wishing your Wor∣ship Worlds prosperitie, and Hea∣uens happinesse.

Yours in the best endeuours of affection. S. R.