To the truly noble Charles, Lord Howard, Baron of Effingham, and to his virtuous and worthy Lady, the right honourable Mary, Lady Effingham, eldest daughter of the truly generous and judicious Sir William Cockayne, Knight, Lord Mayor of this city and Lord general of the military forces.

To whom more properly may art prefer

Works of this nature, which are high and rare,

Fit to delight a prince’s eye and ear,

Than to the hands of such a worthy pair?

Imagine this, mixed with delight and state,

Being then an entertainment for the best,

Your noble nuptials comes to celebrate:

And though it fall short of the day and feast

Of your most sacred and united loves,

Let none say therefore it untimely moves:

It can, I hope, come out of season, never,

To find your joys new; as at first, forever.

Most respectfully devoted to both your honours,

Tho. Middleton.