Meditations, and resolutions, moral, divine, politicall century I : written for the instruction and bettering of youth, but, especially, of the better and more noble / by Antony Stafford ... ; there is also annexed an oration of Iustus Lipsius, against calumnie, translated out of Latine, into English.

To the Right Honourable, FRAN∣CIS, Countesse of Hertford (Daughter to the Right Honourable, Thomas, Vicount Bindon) Antony Stafford, wishes the effects of her wishes.

VVHat I had a long time sought for in

others (excellent La∣dy) and could neuer find, of my selfe, at last I found in you. I meane, Madame, a true definitiō of Ho∣nor: Which, as I first found in you; so at last I honoured you for it, and will do to my last. And should I not, I were as worth∣lesse as you are wor∣thy; sith I neuer in a∣ny, but in you, disco∣ver'd the height of Blood, of Beauty, of

Vertue, of Spirit, and (which vvonder at World, or thou thy selfe wilt be wondred at) with all these, the height of lowe Hu∣mility: Of Humility, Madame, in you to bee admired; not to be imitated: or if to bee imitated, not to be equalled. I know, your Ladishippe (in whom Mildness and Modestie haue made a Mariage) will ra∣ther mislike than ad∣mit

these prayses. Pardon me, Madam; you should not doe so. For, as Vertue cānot be ouerpriz'd; no more can she euer be ouer-prais'd.

Were it not the world would thinke that Partialitie did prompt mee, I would yet ad to yo^r praises; not that you might reade them; but that after Ages, by them, might knowe howe faire was the

fairer part of fairest you; and knowing it, admire it; & with admiration, imitate it. It would be long (incōparable Ladie) it wold be very long, before wee shold win any one to belong to Vertue, vvith the meer praysing her in abstract, should vve not praise her in som person gracious in Gods eye, and the Worlds.

I know, Madame, I

shall bee prays'd for praising you; & dis∣prays'd for offring to expresse the infinite honour and seruice I owe you, vvith so poore a present, so little a labour, as this vnlicked Work. The truth is, Madam, that finding my Booke to haue little spirit, or life in it, I made vse of your Name to make it liue. For, it could not liue long, with∣out your euer-liuing

vertues to relieue it. I am so farre from expecting thanks; as that I humbly craue pardon, for presu∣ming so much to a∣buse your Name, as to sette it before so weake a Worke. If I liue, most woorthy Lady, I heer promise you and the Age, a farre greater, and a farre better. If in the meane time I die, I die infinitely indeb∣ted. Thus, with my

vncessant prayers for your Ladiship, and your thrice honora∣ble Lord, I rest

Your Honors humble, loyall Servant, and vnwoorthy kins∣man, Antony Stafford.