A Mask Presented, Title page – Dedication
A MASKE PRESENTED At Ludlow Castle, 1634: On Michaelmasse night, before the RIGHT HONORABLE, IOHN Earle of Bridgewater, Vicount BRACKLY, Lord Praesident of WALES, And one of His MAIESTIES most honorable Privie Counsell.
Eheu quid volui misero mihi: floribus austrum
Perditus—
LONDON, Printed for HVMPHREY ROBINSON, at the figne of the Three Pidgeons in Pauls Church-yard. 1637.
TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE, IOHN Lord Vicount BRACLY, Son and heire apparent to the Earle, of Bridgewater, &c.
MY LORD,
THis Poem, which receiv'd its first occasion of birth from your selfe, and others of your noble familie, and much honour from your own Person in the performance, now returns againe to make a finall dedication of it selfe to you. Although not openly acknowledg'd by the Author, yet it is a legitimate off-spring, so lovely, and so much desired, that the often copying of it hath tir'd my pen to give my severall friends satisfaction, and brought me to a necessitie of producing it to the publick view; and now to offer it up in all rightfull devotion to those faire hopes, and rare Endowments of your much-promising Youth, which give a full assurance, to all that know you, of a future excellence. Live sweet Lord to be the houour of your Name, and receive this as your owne, from the hands of him, who hath by many favours beene long oblig'd to your most honour'd Parents, and as in this repraesentation your attendant Thyrsis, so now in all reall expression
Your faithfull, and most …umble Servant,
H. LAVVES.