The first parte of the Mirour for Magistrates, containing the falles of the first infortunate Princes of this lande: From the comming of Brute to the incarnation of our sauiour and redemer Iesu Christe. Ad Romanos. 13. 2. Quisquis se opponit potestati, Dei ordinationi resistit. Imprinted at London by Thomas Marshe. Anno 1574. Cum Priuilegio. Eights, Sig. K ii. Fol. 74. Introduction 6 leaves.
This is the best legitimate attempt to enlarge the work published by Baldwin; and the date of the first edition has escaped the research of modern bibliographers.[27] To the Title succeeds the Table of Contents on one leaf; the Epistle dedicatory to the nobility, and the address to the reader. The Authour’s Induction imitates that by Sackville, and is followed by sixteen legends, the sole production of John Higgins.[28]
Their names follow, viz:
| 1. | Albanact. | 9. | Bladud. |
| 2. | Humber. | 10. | Cordila. |
| 3. | Locrinus. | 11. | Morgan. |
| 4. | Elstride. | 12. | Forrex. |
| 5. | Sabrine. | 13. | Porrex. |
| 6. | Madan. | 14. | Kimarus. |
| 7. | Malin. | 15. | Morindus. |
| 8. | Mempricius. | 16. | Nennius. |
At the end of Nennius the address of “the Author” concludes with the fifth Stanza:[29]
And keepe, maintaine and celebrate his praise:
VVich graunted, all they vanisht quite their wayes.
Viuit post funera virtus.
Finis que Iohn Higgins.
The last parte of the Mirour for Magistrates, wherein may be seene by examples passed in this Realme, with howe greuous plagues, vices are punished in great Princes and Magistrates, and howe frayle and vnstable worldly prosperitie is founde, where Fortune seemeth moste highly to fauour. Newly corrected and amended. Fœlix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. Imprinted at London by Thomas Marshe. Anno. 1574. Cum Priuilegio. 168 leaves.