To his worthy, valourous, and ingenious friend the Author.
Not for thy love, or kindnesse showne to me
Doe I commend this Booke, or yet praise thee;
For though I know thou art a friend of mine,
I praise this for its own sake, not for thine,
Thou herein to the Reader dost impart
In a plaine way that famous Martiall art
Of fencing, which by charge and toylesome paine
Thou hast attain'd, and striv'st to make us gaine
By thy great labour, and hereby dost prove
That th'art not onely full of skill but love
Of th'common good, for which thy name shall be
Both lov'd of us and our posteritie.
Jo. Sotheby
Of Greyes-Inne.


