To the Right Honourable and excellently learned, William Earle of St.

My Lord,

The Laurell doth your reverend temples wreath

As aptly now, as when your youth did breath

Those tragicke raptures which your name shall save

From the blacke edict of a tyrant grave.

Nor shall your Day ere set, till the Sunne shall

From the blind heavens like a cynder fall;

And all the elements intend their strife,