8To the worshipful Master John Donning, Customer and Jurat of the town of Rye in Sussex.

12Being diversly moved in mind, to signify my good will and hearty love towards you, gentle M. Donning, I could not devise any means more effectual than by presenting the same to you, which cost me some small labor and travail, not seeming thereby to acquit your manifold courtesies towards me diversly extended, but rather to discharge me of the note of ingratitude which otherwise I might seem to incur. Wherefore, instead of a greater present to countervail your friendliness, I am bold in the setting forth of this simple pamphlet under your name, to make a proffer of my thankful heart to you again. Wherein, though want of farther ability appear, yet is there no let, but that a well-willing heart may be expressed, yea in the smallest gift. Now if haply the argument hereof appear unto you other than you could much wish, or I well afford, yet have I no fear of any great misliking, considering your natural disposition, which is to be delighted with honest pleasure and commendable recreation, and not to lie evermore weltering, as it were, in doleful dumpishness. Which thing did put me in the greater hope, that this work would be the welcomer unto you, especially considering the delectable variety and the often changes and chances contained in this present history, which cannot but much stir up the mind and senses unto sundry affections. Whatever it be, take it, I beseech you, in good part instead of some better thing which I might well afford, promising the same when occasion shall serve, not being at this present so well furnished as I could wish of God, to whose good grace I recommend you and yours, both now and evermore.

13Your worship's to use,

14Laurence Twine.