To the illustrious princess, the duchess of Monmouth.

Madam,

Though talkers are so malicious against writers, that few dare print their works, unless protected by great persons. Yet hope of patronage is not the cause of my presumption. For if men had no malice, or such, as could not poison books, this should be dedicated to the divine and princely virtues, which make your Grace an ornament to the court and a glory to your sex. If your Grace be pleased to accept my duty and pardon the errors of my poem, no author can be happier then

Your Grace’s most obedient servant,

R. Stapylton.