Northumberland_

Northumberland > (Henry Percy, "Wizard Earl", 9th Earl of
Northumberland, 1564-1632; a friend of Raleigh)

453
454 The sacred Muses have made always claim
455 To be the nurses of nobility,
456 And registers of everlasting fame,
457 To all that arms profess and chivalry.

arms profess > lay claim to prowess in arms

458 Then, by like right, the noble progeny
459 Who them succeed in fame and worth, are tied
460 To embrace the service of sweet poetry,
461 By whose endeavours they are glorified,
462 And eke from all, of whom it is envied,

eke > moreover
of > by
envied > wished for themselves

463 To patronize the author of their praise,
464 Who gives them life, that else would soon have died,

else > otherwise

465 And crowns their ashes with immortal bays.

bays > (Leaves or sprigs of the laurel, used to make a wreath for
conquerors or poets)

466 To you, therefore, right noble lord, I send
467 This present of my pains, it to defend.

pains > efforts, labours
it to defend > [so that you may defend it]

468
469
470 _To the right honourable the Earle of Cumberland_.
471
472 REdoubted Lord, in whose corageous mind
473 The flowre of cheualry now bloosming faire,
474 Doth promise fruite worthy the noble kind,
475 Which of their praises haue left you the haire;
476 To you this humble present I prepare,
477 For loue of vertue and of Martiall praise,
478 To which though nobly ye inclined are,
479 As goodlie well ye shew'd in late assaies,
480 Yet braue ensample of long passed daies,
481 In which trew honor yee may fashiond see,
482 To like desire of honor may ye raise,
483 And fill your mind with magnanimitee.
484 Receiue it Lord therefore as it was ment,
485 For honor of your name and high descent.
486 E. S.
487
469
470 _To the Right Honourable the Earl of Cumberland_

Cumberland > (George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland, 1558-1605,
naval commander)

471
472 Redoubted lord, in whose courageous mind
473 The flower of chivalry, now blossoming fair,
474 Does promise fruit worthy the noble kind

the > [of the]
kind > kin, family

475 Which of their praises have left you the heir;
476 To you this humble present I prepare,
477