How greatest estatts she overthrowyth by myght.

Thoughe I onworthe this tragedy do begyne,

Of pardon I pray the reders in meke wyse;

And to correct where they se fault therein,

Reputing it for lak of connyng exercyse.

The cause that moved me to this enterprise

Especyally was that all estatts myght see

What it is to trust to Fortune’s mutabylitie.

With pen and ynke I toke this work in hand,

Redy to wright the deadly dole and whofull playnt