TO
THE KING'S
MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
Gracious Sovereign,
If I were again in Spain, I should think no happiness on earth so great as to come into England; and at your royal feet, to lay down the story of my dangers and peregrination: which I tell, as a late sea-wrecked man, tossed and beaten with many misfortunes; yet, setting my weary body at last on a blessed shore: my hands now lay hold on your altar, which is to me a sanctuary. Here I am safe in harbour.
That psalm of kingly DAVID, which I sang in my Spanish captivity,
When as we sate in Babylon &c. [Psal. cxxxvii.] I have now changed to another tune; saying, with the same prophet,
Great is Thy mercy towards me, O LORD! for Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest grave! [Psal. xvi. 16.]
And, as your Majesty hath been graciously pleased both to let
