And for[266] the hurt of envy that myght rore,
I shall set my shrowd[267] for my defence,
Under the mantell of well wyllyng audyence.
And principally this my work for to assist,
I humbly beseche that Lord that is eternall
To defend my penne that wrott this with my fist,
To be my savegard, my staffe, and my wall;
And consequently for feare least I shold fall
In the daynger of the learned[268] and honorable sort,
I pray them all my lamenes to support.