THE TRUE STATE OF ICELAND ad 



1592. 



S. M. that you would of your clemencie vouchsafe to 

 become a favourer and patron unto these my labours and 

 studies, for the behalfe of my countrey. 



It now remaineth (most gracious and mercifull sove- 

 reigne) for us to make our humble prayers unto almighty 

 God, that king of kings, and disposer of all humane 

 affaires, that it would please him of his infinite goodnes, 

 to advance your Majestie (yearely growing up in wise- 

 dome & experience, and all other heroicall vertues) to the 

 highest pitch of sovereigntie : and being advanced, con- 

 tinually to blesse you with most prosperous successe in 

 all your affaires : and being blessed, long to preserve you, 

 as the chief ornament, defence and safegarde of these 

 kingdomes, and as the shield and fortresse of his church : 

 and hereafter in the life to come, to make you shine 

 glorious like a starre, amongst the principall nurcing 

 fathers of Gods Church, in the perfect joy of his 

 heavenly kingdome. The same most mercifull father 

 likewise grant, that these praiers, the oftener they be 

 dayly repeated and multiplied in every corner of your 

 Majesties most ample territories & Islands, so much the 

 more sure and certein they may remaine. Amen. At 

 Haffnia, or Copen Hagen 1593. in the moneth of 

 March. 



Y. S. M. 



most humble subject, 



Arngrimus Jonas, Islander. 



To the courteous and Christian reader Gudbrandus [I. 552.] 

 Thorlacius, Bishop of Holen in Island, wisheth 

 health. 



Here came to light about the yeare of Christ 1561, 

 a very deformed impe, begotten by a certain 

 Pedlar of Germany : namely a booke of German 

 rimes, of al that ever were read the most filthy and 

 most slanderous against the nation of Island. Neither 

 did it suffice the base printer once to send abroad that 

 base brat, but he must publish it also thrise or foure 



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