To my Friends.
ANd now, kind Friends, a word or two to you,
Before I bid your Iudgements all adiew.
Full well I know you all were angred much,
That my vnfortunate euents were such:
And well I know, you do beleeue and know,
I meant no shuffling-shifting tricke to show.
To you my minde doth need no more reuealing,
You all doe know I meant plaine vpright dealing;
And sure I hope your informations will
Defend me 'gainst the force of scandall still.
There were some Lords, some Knights, Esquires, and some
Good Marchants, Tradesmen, to the Play did come,
On purpose onely for my onely sake,
The most of which I know will vndertake,
To doe me any good in word or deed,
If my occasions did require their need:
Though my deserts can no such fauour win,
Yet well they know I still haue honest bin:
I speake not this in any tearmes of boast,
For why, my faults are equall with the most:
But this is written, that it may appeare,
That I from cony-catching tricks am cleare:
And vnto all the world I dare appeale,
Who dares accuse me that I did misdeale.
So crauing pardon where I haue transgrest,
I wish my Friends all earthly, heau'nly rest.