Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/503

 To the worshipful and his very

good friend, Master FRANCIS FLOWER Esquire:

increase of all content.

It was my fortune, Right Worshipful, not many days since, to light upon the famous device of ASTROPHEL and STELLA, which carrying the general commendation of all men of judgment, and being reported to be one of the rarest things that ever any Englishmen set abroach, I have thought good to publish it under your name; both for I know the excellency of your Worship's conceit, above all other to be such as is only fit to discern of all matters of wit; as also for the credit and countenance your patronage may give to such a work.

Accept of it, I beseech you, as the firstfruits of my affection, which desires to approve itself in all duty unto you: and though the argument, perhaps, may seem too light for your grave view; yet considering the worthiness of the author, I hope you will entertain it accordingly.