True friends for their true prince refuseth not their death:
The Lord grant her such friends, most noble Queen Elizabeth.
Long may she govern in honour and wealth,
Void of all sickness, in most perfect health;
Which health to prolong, as true friends require,
God grant she may have her own heart’s desire:
Which friends will defend with most steadfast faith,
The Lord grant her such friends, most noble Queen Elizabeth.
FINIS.
[1] [This preface was found among my father’s dramatic collectanea, formed about 1850, and I have printed it with a few additions.—W.C.H.]