Angliæ speculum: or Englands looking-glasse.: Devided into two pats [sic], / by C.VV. Mercer.

In commendation of the Author, and his worke. To Himselfe.

Sonnet.

FRom that representation, which in this Your mirror of the worth of others, is Vnto our view exposed, doth reflect The Image of your self, in an aspect More semblable, then ever Looking-Glasse Did shew the beauty of a Ladies face. Then seeing that the picture of your merit, Can by the pensil of no other spirit Be drawn so to the life, for that these lines Set forth your splendour, ev'n as your name shines In their contexture, making you, and your Poaems be either th'others portraiture, It shall suffice me onely to avow, That you renown the book, and the book you.

T. F.

The Author to his worke, and in relation to the former lines.

Sonnet.

IHave created, made, and christned thee, Thou hast thy being, all thou art, of mee: I best know what's inclos'd in thy contents, And to beholders, what thou represents, Yet is the least part of the praise but due To me, the honour wholy doth accrue Vnto the substance whereof thou art made, So purely fine, because had I not had Such quintessences, rarify'd, and fine, For to compose rhee of, no skill was mine, To make thee so, in lustre, pure, and rare, So absolute, so curious, singular: Then as mine own I freely speak to thee, But thy perfections challenge more of mee.

VV. M.