A meruailous combat of contrarieties Malignantlie striuing in the me[m]bers of mans bodie, allegoricallie representing vnto vs the enuied state of our florishing common wealth: wherin dialogue-wise by the way, are touched the extreame vices of this present time. VVith an earnest and vehement exhortation to all true English harts, couragiously to be readie prepared against the enemie. by W.A.

To the friendlie and Chri∣stian Reader.

THREE sorts of people (courteous Reader) I knowe there are, that will dislike, and discommend that which I shall write, the first are our proude Dares, that are as farre in loue with themselues as Narcissus, and our wanton wiues and mincing minions, that all day pranke themselues at the Glasse, like daintie Misteris Acco. The second are our gluttonous Sanctrae that for their feeding and vnmeasurable drinking, may better be called Beotians then Englishmen: and the third are our couchant Pa∣pists that priuilie lurke in corners, to bring euery thing in disgrace, that is not for their purpose, nor serues (as we say) for their tooth. These peraduenture beeing gauled, cannot abide to haue their sore rubbed, like to Phillip of Macedon that because he had but one eye himselfe, was angry when any man talked of a Cyclop, or na∣med a gogle eye, or spake of any that had but one of his eyes: Or like Hyrmeas, that beeing himselfe an Eunuch, coulde not abide to heare of a Raser, or a knife, or anie man that was cutte, because he was himselfe a gelding. Wherfore if we touch these men, it must be figurate but not aperte, closelie and cunninglie, not openly nor plainely, for if we doe, we vtterly lose their good wil, but as for these I count not, onely I wish them better mindes, with a sound amend∣ment of their liues.

The rest that are well disposed, I earnestlie desire to beare with whatsoeuer faultes haue eyther hastilie scaped my handes in wryting, or the Printers presse in printing.

I am not Roscius in Scena, I knowe manie coulde better haue handled this Theame, yet I friendly request thy patience,

and gentle acceptance of that I haue written, knowing that if thou haue iudgment, thou wilt not be a Lynx, in prying too narrowlie into my ouer-sights, but rather a Mole, in not seeing mine infir∣mities. That I haue written hath beene for thy profit and plea∣sure, my selfe in labouring haue felt the payne, all the reward I de∣maunde is thy good worde, which if I may haue I am satisfied, and so reposing my selfe thereon I ende, wyshing thee health and long life, with the fruition of heauenlie ioyes. Farewell. (∴)