To the Sacred Majestie of Queen Anne

Thrice-Royall Princes,
Since to commend Musique were but to reach the Sunne a paire of spectacles; or to extol my own indeavors, would proove but superfluous gyldings, since I hope they shal instantly come to the touch of your quicke discovering iudgement. I will only presume in most devoted zeale, to offer up this last hope of my labours, to your most princely acceptance, humbly imploring, that it would please your trice-royall spirit, not to esteeme my Songs unmusicall, because my Fortune is out of tune; or to grant me little grace, because my Fortune is out of tune; or to grant me little grace, because my deserts may be valued nothing: but be once pleased (Right excellent Princes) as the onely and last refuge of my long expecting hopes, to patronize and second the modest ends of the Author of these uncommon Musiques, not for any thing he yet can claime of iust merit, but for what the ample gracings of the King & my excited affection to do your Majesty service, may happily expect.

I cease to offend your delicate eare with my harsh style, and therefore kissing the ground that sustaineth your Sacred person. I ever rest

The hublest of your subjects,

Tobias Hume