NOTE. Like others, the only edition of 'Amoretti' published during Spenser's own lifetime was that of 1595, in a small volume (18mo): for which I am indebted to the British Museum. Our text is this of 1595. See Life in Vol. I., and Essays, as before. The following it is deemed well to record here: These slight changes in punctuation, etc., are also to be noted:— To the Right Worship full SIR ROBART NEED HAM KNIGHT. IR, to gratulate your fafe return frò Ireland, I had nothing fo readie, nor thought any thing fo meete, as thefe fweete conceited Sonets, the deede of that wel deferuing gentleman, maister Edmond Spenfer: whofe name fufficiently warranting the worthinesse of the work: I do more confidently prefume to publish it in his abfence, vnder your name to whom (in my poore opinion) the patronage therof, doth in Some refpectes properly appertaine. For, befides your iudgement and delighte in learned poefie: This gentle Mufe for her former perfection long wished for in Englande, nowe at the length croffing the Seas in your happy companye, (though to your felfe vnknowne) Seemeth to make IV. ΙΟ |