University of Virginia Library


19

[Here if I were disposd vpon the ground to tread]

Here if I were disposd vpon the ground to tread

He will not enter into matter far out of knowledge.


Of that supposd Berose, abusing all that read
As he and others do; well might I let you see
Of all our Auncesters a fayned pedegree;
I boldly might assay of all the worlds prouinces,
From father vnto sonne, to name the former Princes;
To sing of all the world each peoples diuerse lot,
And of the meanest townes to lay the grunsill-plot.
But what? I meane not I, as eu'ry wynd shall blow
To leaue my former course, and straight begin to row
(The Load-starre bright vnseene) vpon the waues vnknowne
Of such an Ocean, so full of rocks bestrowne
And Scylla's glutton gulfes, where tumbleth equall store
Of shipwracks on the sands, and billowes to the shore.
Not hauing other guide then vvriters such as faine
The names of auncient kings, and tell vs fables vaine:
Who make all for themselues, and gaping after glory,
Vpon one Cirons foote can build a perfect story.