^{page 61 note 1} ‘To the most illustrious and most honoured Robert, Earl of Essex and Eu, Earl Marshal of England, Viscount of Hereford and Bourchier; Baron Ferrers of Chartley; Lord Bourchier and Louvain; Master of the Horse to the Queen's Majesty; Master of Ordnance; Chancellor of Cambridge University; Knight of the Order of Saint George; Member of our most gracious Queen's Privy Council; my most highly regarded Lord:

To the best and most noble, says Euripedes, at which thought you first and almost only came to mind, most illustrious Earl, whose name, should it shine on our Henry's forehead, he would more happily and more safely go forth among the people. For you are great indeed, both in present judgment and in expectation of future time, in whom once blind fortune can seem now to have regained her sight, since she moves to heap with honours a man distinguished in all virtues. If, therefore, you would deign to take this up with a happy countenance, it shall rest safely under the shelter of your name, like Homer's Teucer under the shield of Ajax. Long may Almighty God keep Your Highness safe for us and for the state, so that we, avenged and protected in faith as well as in arms by your powerful right hand, may enjoy lasting security and glory. Your Honour's most devoted, J. Hayward.

^{page 61 note 2} In the list reproduced here, page and line references are to A. As explained above, these preferred readings have been incorporated in the text of the present edition. The original ‘faultes’ listed here, useful in identifying copies of the first edition (A), are given in the notes where they occur below.