Introductory material
Reading edition
[THE Mirrour for Magistrates, AS] A WINTER NIGHT’S VISION Being an addition of svch Princes especially famous, who were exempted in the former Historie. PART IV. By RICHARD NICCOLS, Oxon. Mag. Hall. From the edition imprinted by Felix Kyngston, 1610.
TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE, the Lord Charles Howard, Earle of Notingham, Baron of Effingham, Knight of the noble Order of the Garter, Lord high Admirall of England, Ireland and Wales, &c. one of his Maiestie’s most Honorable priuie Counsell.
As once that doue (true honor’s aged lord) Houering with wearied wings about your arke, When Cadiz towers did fal beneath your sword, To rest her selfe did single out that barke: So my meeke muse, from all that conquering rout, Conducted through the sea’s wilde wildernes By your great selfe, to graue their names about Th’Iberian pillars of Joue’s Hercules: Most humblie craues your lordly lions aid Gainst monster enuie, while she tels her storie Of Britaine princes, and that royall maid, In whose chaste hymne her Clio sings your glorie: Which if (great lord) you grant, my muse shall frame Mirrours more worthie your renowned name.
Your Honor’s euer most humblie deuoted, Richard Nicols.