Dedicatory Epistle
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL
SIR JULIUS CESAR, Kkight, 1? of the Masters of the 'Requests to the King's Majesty, Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, and Master of St. Catherine's, wisketh all good tUngt ta Christ Jesus.
Hating finished, Right Worshipful, and made ready for the press this little Dialogue, I bethought me, since the common manner of all that write any books in this age, is to dedicate the same to one or to other of gi'eat place, to whom . I might dedicate these ray poor labours.
At last 1 did resolve with myself, none to be more fit than your Worship; both in regard of some aflfinity in the flesh, as also because of those manifold good parts wherewith the Almighty hath endued you.
Having therefore none other thing to present your Worship withal, in token of a thankful heart for your courtesies shewed towards me, behold, I do here send unto you this third fruit of my labours now published.
Most humbly beseeching you to take it in good worth; not weighing the value of the thing, which is of no value, but the simple and good meaning of the giver.
This work doth sharply reprove and evict the world of sin, and therefore is likely to find many deadly enemies, which with cruel hatred will most eagerly pursue it unto death.
Zoilus also, and his fellows, I know will bitterly carp at it.
Therefore, it flieth unto your Worship for
DEDICATIOir. protection, and humbly desireth to take sanctuary under your wings.
Wherefore, I humbly intreat you, to take upon you the patronage and defence of it; that by your means it may be delivered both from the calumnious obloquies of evil-disposed persons, and also from the world's malignity; so as it may take no injury.
And concerning this little volume, the sum of the matter of it, you shall find in the Epistle to the Reader.
As concerning the manner, here is no great matter in learning, wit, art, eloquence, or ingenious invention;
(for I have herein specially respected the ignorant and vulgar sort, whose edification I do chiefly aim at) yet somewhat there is, which may concern the learned, and give them some contentment.
Whatsoever it be, I leave it with your Worship, beseeching you to give it entertainment.
And so T do most humbly take my leave, commending both yourself, your good wife, and your whole family to the merciful protection of the ever living Grod.
Your Worship's, to command in the Lord,
ARTHUR DENT.
South Shooherry, Essex, AprU 10, 1601.