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THE PRAYSE OF SADNESSE.
THey that haue blessed their time with drawing into their owne bo∣somes the consideration of the world and her mutabilities; and kept them there, to strengthen their reason against the vanity & waywardnesse of their affections and passions, know already, I may offend opinion, but not truth, vndertaking as impertinent a worke, as he that intended to prayse Hercules: to these I addresse not my self, vnlesse they wil please to perfect me, since I cannot them. But to those I am directed, that ei∣ther the smyles of Fortune haue depriued of the true knowledge of the condition of man, or youth hath not yet ripened; or such vulgar and earthly crea∣tures, whose iudgement dazeled with beholding the outward splendor of Fortunes Minions (the misera∣blest of all) cannot or will not see with what terrible cares and discontentments, the purple robe is lined.
I know, but feare not, the danger of cherishing and defending so vnwelcome a guest as sadnesse; so shunned, so abhorred: For since I am well assured,