ABSTRACT
In an enlightening discussion of Renaissance patronage, Werner Gundersheimer has broadly and usefully defined patronage as the action of an individual in a position of power supporting, encouraging, protecting, or countenancing another person, institution or work. Understanding that a symbiotic relationship existed between literature and patronage provides a meaningful framework within which to discuss the activities of a group of writers. Political expediency undoubtedly prompted such public exhibitions of loyalty. In the early sixteenth century, supplications, petitions and dedications to popes, kings and lesser magnates were an accepted means of self-advancement. Whilst it was typical of sovereigns to receive such panegyric verse throughout their life. The different poets, depending on whether they were presently included or excluded from the patronage system and positions at court adopted somewhat similar rhetorical strategies when it came to flattering the new king, and stressing his legitimacy.
