Nash was
notoriously impecunious all through his life, and probably reference
is here made to some bounty received at the hands of Lord Southampton
(_see_ Introduction). What patronage meant at times is gleaned from
Florio's dedication of _The Worlde of Wordes_ in 1598 to the same
nobleman. He says:--"In truth I acknowledge an entire debt, not only
of my best knowledge, but of all; yea, of more than I know, or care,
to your bounteous lordship, in whose pay and patronage I have lived
some years.... But, as to me, and many more, the glorious and gracious
sunshine of your honour hath infused light and life." Rowe also tells
a story of Lord Southampton's munificence to Shakspeare. It is said
that he gave the poet L1,000 (equal to L12,000 now-a-days) to complete
a special purchase. Whether this story be true or not, it is certain
that Lord Southampton was a most liberal patron of letters.
4 _Presents thee with_, Presentes you with.
5 "Ne" = Nor, A.S.; _unchastitie_, inchastitye.
6 _painting_, paynting; _things_, thinges; _hidden are_, hidden be.
7 & 8 In Rawl. MS. these lines are transposed.
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