0.1THE

Painful Adventures

of Pericles Prince of

Tyre.

Being

The true History of the Play of Pericles as it was

lately presented by the worthy and an-

cient Poet John Gower.

AT LONDON.

Printed by T.P. for Nat: Butter.

1608

0.2To the right worshipful and most worthy 0.3gentleman Master Henry Fermor of Middlesex, health and eternal happiness.

0.6Right worthy sir, Opinion, that in these 0.7days will make wise men fools and the most 0.8fools (with a little help of their 0.9own arrogancy) seem wise, hath made me 0.10ever fear to throw myself upon the rack 0.11of censure, the which every man in this latter 0.12age doth who is so over-hardy to put his 0.13wit in print. I see, sir, that a good coat with 0.14rich trappings gets a gay ass entrance in 0.15at a great gate (and within, 'a may stalk freely) 0.16when a ragged philosopher with more wit shall 0.17be shut forth of doors. Notwithstanding this, 0.18I know, sir, that Virtue wants no bases to uphold her 0.19but her own kin. In which certain assurance, 0.20and knowing that your worthy self are of that 0.21near alliance to the noble house of Goodness 0.22that you grow out of one stalk, a poor infant of 0.23my brain comes naked unto you, without other clothing 0.24than my love, and craves your hospitality. If you 0.25take this to refuge, her father doth promise that 0.26with more labored hours he can enheighten your 0.27name and memory, and therein shall appear he will 0.28not die ungrateful. Yet thus much he dares say 0.29in the behalf of this: somewhat it containeth that 0.30may invite the choicest eye to read, nothing here 0.31is sure may breed displeasure to any. So leaving 0.32your spare hours to the recreation thereof, and my 0.33boldness now submitting itself to your censure, 0.34not willing to make a great way to a little house, 0.35I rest

0.36Most desirous to be held

0.37all yours,

0.38GEORGE WILKINS.