Hygieinē, or, A plain and practical discourse upon the first of the six non-naturals, viz, air with cautionary rules and directions for the preservation of people in this time of sickness, very necessary for the gentry and citizens that are now in the country to peruse before they come into London / by Tho. Cock.

To the Right Honourable Sir THOMAS BLUDWORTH KNIGHT, Lord Maior of the City of London ὙΓΙΑΊΝΕΙΝ.

My LORD,

IN all Dedications, there is something of Design, Self, or Interest,—Et omni∣um sunt stultissimi qui auriculas studi∣ose tegunt: Especially before one so quick∣sighted and descerning as your Lordship; and therefore I shall with very little Re∣serve, tell your Honour all the ends that in∣duc't me to make choice of your illu∣strious Patronage: One is to testifie that real Reverence and Veneration I have to your Person, Place, and Dignities: and upon this account, common Decency and good Manners would have upbraided me to have made choice of any others Protection; especially in such dangerous and deadly times we now live in; Detraction like Infection being almost in every ones mouth, ready to poyson the best and greatest endeavours that can be used for a Preservative; and therefore neither Art, nor Nature,

nor Self, nor Interest could in charity advise me otherwise, then to take such an effectual and soveraign Preservative as your Patro∣nage, before I ventured into the open and common Air.

Nor could Policie direct me better then to borrow your Name; for if there be no other worth in the Treatise, yet, it will both in∣vite, and somewhat recompence the Reader to see so fair and stately a Frontispiece as your Honours Name place't before it: at least, they must like it much the better, and think it the more deserving for bearing so great a Sail.

And though I cannot, without huge Arrogancy pretend it to be a Present sutable to your Greatness and Deserts; yet it may pass for an acknowledgement of that high opinion, or rather certain knowledge, I have of your Vertues and Merits.

I have many other reasons to alledge in defence of the Dedica∣tion, as, your Lordships Power and Abilities to promote and re∣duce to practise, what others only can advise, discourse, think on, and wish for.

But, my Porch (I see) grows wide; and a large Preface will not so well sute with that little knowledge you have of me, and acquain∣tance I have with your Honour: besides, long Apologies, have usu∣ally more of bud, blossom, and colour, then consequence; and most commonly are like May-Poles, long and fruitless.

And therefore notwithstanding all the Alligations I have or can use, I shall intirely cast my self upon your Lordships goodness for Approbation and Acceptance, of what is due to you from

Your Lorships most humble and affectionate Servant T. Cock.