and All-accomplished Gentleman,
Sir Thomas Finch, Baronet.
Sir, let it not appear strange, that I do aspire to your patronage. Things that taste of any goodness, love to be shelter'd near goodness: nor do I flatter in this (which I hate), only touch at the original copy of your virtues. Some of my other works, as
The White Devil, The Duchess of Malfi,
Guise
, and others, you have formerly seen; I present this humbly to kiss your hands, and to find your allowance. Nor do I much doubt it, knowing
the greatest of the Caesars
have cheerfully entertain'd less poems than this: and had I thought it unworthy, I had not enquir'd after so worthy a patronage. Yourself I understand to be all courtesy. I doubt not therefore of your acceptance, but resolve that my election is happy. For which favour done me, I shall ever rest
Your worships humbly devoted,
JOHN WEBSTER.
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