n two things (right honorable) it is generally agreed that man excels all other creatures, in reason, and in speech: and in them by how much one man surpasseth an other, by so much the neerer he aspires to the celestiall essence.
Poesy in all kind of speaking is the chiefe beginner, and maintayner of eloquence, not only helping the eare with the acquaintance of sweete numbers, but also raysing the mind to a more high and loftie conceite. For this end I have studyed to induce a true forme of versefying into our language: for the vulgar and unarteficiall custome of riming hath I know deter'd many excellent unions which I have gathered for this purpose, I humbly present to your Lordship, as to the noblest judge of Poesy, and the most honorable protector of all industrious learning; which if your honour shall vouchsafe to receive, who both in your publick, and priuate Poemes haue to deuinely crowned your fame, what man will dare to repine? or not striue to imitate them? Wherefore with all humility I subiect my selfe and them to yhour gratious fauour, beseeching you in the noblenes of your mind to take in worth so simple a present, which by some work drawne from my more serious studies, I will hereafter endeuour to excuse.
Your Lordships humbly deuoted
Thomas Campion