Devoted to your Honour's kindness,
JOHN DOWLAND.
The Epistle to the Reader.
The applause of them that judge, is the encouragement of those that write. My first two Books of Airs sped so well, that they have produced a third, which they have fetched far from home, and brought even through the most perilous seas: where having escaped so many sharp rocks; I hope they shall not be wracked on land, by curious and biting censures. As in a hive of bees, all labour alike to lay up honey; opposing themselves against none but fruitless drones: so in the House of Learning and Fame, all good endeavours should strive to add somewhat that is good, not malicing one another; but altogether banding against the idle and malicious ignorant.
My labours, for my part, I freely offer to every man's judgement! presuming, that favour once attained, is more easily increased than lost.
John Dowland.