Page:The First Part of the True and Honorable Historie of the Life of Sir John Old-castle (1600).pdf/7



He doubtful Title (Gentlemen) prefixt Vpon the Argument we haue in hand, May breede suspence, and wrongfully disturbe The peacefull quiet of your setled thoughts: To stop which scruple, let this briefe suffise. It is no pamperd glutton we present, Nor aged Councellor to youthfull sinne, But one, whose vertue shone aboue the rest, A valiant Martyr, and a vertuous peere, In whose true faith and loyaltie exprest Vnto his soveraigne, and his countries weale: We striue to pay that tribute of our Loue, Your fauours merite, let faire Truth be grac'te, Since forg'de inuention former time defac'te.