Page [unnumbered]
¶ To the Ladie Katherine Coun∣tesse of Suffolke.
ALthough great Lady, it may seeme right strange,
That I a stranger should presume thus farre,
To write to you; yet as the times doe change,
So are we subiect to that fatall starre,
Vnder the which we were produc'd to breath,
That starre that guides vs euen vntill our death.
And guided me to frame this worke of grace,
Not of it selfe, but by celestiall powres,
To which, both that and wee must needs giue place,
Since what we haue, we cannot count it ours:
For health, wealth, honour, sickenesse, death & all,
Is in Gods powre, which makes vs rise and fall.
And since his powre hath giuen me powre to write,
A subiect sit for you to looke vpon,
Wherein your soule may take no small delight,
When her bright eyes beholds that holy one:
By whose great wisedome, loue, and speciall grace,
Shee was created to behold his face.
Vouchsafe sweet Lady, to accept these lines,
Writ by a hand that doth desire to doe
All seruices to you whose worth combines
The worthi••st minds to loue and honour you:
Whose beautie, wisedome, children, high estate,
Doe all concurre to make you fortunate.