The epistle dedicatory.

To all fair, indifferent fair, virtuous, that are not fair and magnanimous ladies.

I have here placed a pattern, yes, more than one (ladies) for you to imitate chastity and other virtues joined to beauty, virtue single and mainly fortitude in the female sex, does here present themselves to you. What you cannot reach one way, take another; and know that the form and faculties of the mind, does far excel in worth those of the body. Yet, both joined (as in Landgartha) is of all the most excellent; in regard that that external beauty allures (no commands) the mind of man (that affects visible objects) to the love of virtue, which itself does possess, and suffers (as most coveted) greater combats in the resisting of vice. Bodily force too in a woman (were it but to defend its own fort) is a perfection; though it cannot be expected but from a few of you, it will be sufficient, that you never fall willingly, but in the way of honour. If I have not drawn this faire visage, as a chief arts man, I hope yet (you will say), that I have made it indifferent handsome, and that my good will to effect it after the best fashion for your sakes, will notwithstanding my weakness, purchase an excuse at least for my boldness, both in undertaking the work and in offering of it (in part a poor brain born infant of mine, that covets to look at the light) to be cherished by such hands as yours, to kneel at the feet of your piety. Whatever it be, or whoever got it, let it be yours, as is

The affectionate honourer of your perfections,

Henry Burnell.