To the Doubtfull Reader
An introductory poem to one of her collections, this text is short and sweet. Lanyer relates how she had first thought of the title in a dream and only recently remember it. Seeing as her message is intertwined with love, in the Christian tradition, she addresses her reader as doubtful in order to make good upon her dream and perhaps reach somebody who otherwise wouldn't read the text.
To the Vertuous Reader
Lanyer makes clear that she is a woman writing in behalf of women. She appeals to her readers to allow sincerity to reflect more accurately their own value, rather than seeking to please men who have fickle taste. In direct opposition to the traditionally understood role of women in her society, Lanyer tells her readers that they are valuable for who they are and capable of becoming warriors of faith, without ever appealing to a man to affirm or assist.
To the Queenes Most Excellent Majestie
In this poem Lanyer essentially expresses her appreciation and affection for the queen, whom she has never met. It's a fan letter. She praises the queen for her representation of the strong, capable, and wise capacity of women, being entrusted with such a high responsibility as the care and keeping of the entire nation. Lanyer asks that the queen may take notice of the fact that her subjects, like Lanyer, recognize her leadership and appreciate it.
This poem is dedicated to the place where Lanyer lived for many years. She is preparing to leave her home and thus bidding a tender farewell. To her, Cooke-ham represents a place of nurture and creativity. It was here she first pursued her writing. It was here, beneath her favorite tree, that she received her first kiss. It was here that she invested in the neighbors' gossip. After so many years, Lanyer attempts to place her memories in the past, where they belong, while simultaneously grafting her relationship to the place, Cooke-ham, into her permanent identity.
