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The Dramatic Works and Poems of James Shirley
The Dramatic Works and Poems of James Shirley Author:James Shirley, William Gifford, Alexander Dyce Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: TO THE HONOURABLE SIR THOMAS NIGHTINGALE, Babt. THE poem that approacheth to kiss your hand, had once a singular grace and lustre from the scene, when i... more »t enjoyed the life of action ; nor did it want the best hands to applaud it in the theatre ; but nothing of these is considerable, to the honour it may receive now from your confirmation and acceptance. I must acknmoledge many years have passed since it did vagire in cunis, and when it had gotten strength, and legs to walk, travelling without direction, it lost itself, till it was recovered after much inquisition, and notv, upon the first return home, hath made this fortunate address, and application to your patronage, in which my ambition is satisfied. I know this nation hath been fruitful in names of eminent honour. But in these times, there be more lords than noblemen; and while you are pleased to smile upon this piece, I most cheerfully throw myself and it upon your protection, whose single worth to me ie beyond all the boasted greatness and voluminous titles of our age. Be pleased to read what is presented you, at an hour you will dedicate to recreation ; and preserve the autlior in your memory, whose highest desires are to make good the character of, Sir, the most humble among those that honour you. JAMES SHIRLEY. Contarini, duke of Venice. Cornari, a gentleman of Venice.' Florelli, the English gentleman? Malipiero, nephew to Cornari.3 Giovanni, supposed son of Roberto.4 Thomazo, the supposed son of the Duke.5 Marino, i .. /.i p .,. ' y courtiers of honour. Roberto, the Duke's gardener Sfareello,') comPanions of Malipiero. Georgio, servant of Roberto. Senators, Gentlemen. Bravos, Attendants, Servants, Officers. Bellaura, the Duke's niece.' Claudiana, wife to Cornari." Ursula, wif...« less