University of Virginia Library

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Vnderstanding Reader;

VVhen my melancholly leasures first conceived these rude heroiks, my conscious Muse censured them too tender-sighted to be admitted the common light. Induced by some kinde friends, who are truely studious of the publique good, I was vnwillingly willing to adventure them the publique censure, desirous, I ingeniously confesse, (and so I professe myselfe ever) in my best endevours, to further such royall and religious imployments: if my poore iudgement can assuredly obserue pietie to be one prime end of plantation, and the vnder-taking probable to prosper. If (Gentle Reader) these lynes please thee, pervse and vse vs gently: if not, Parce vati. You know that Ex quó libet ligno non fit Mercurius. Besides, error in Poesie is lesse blemish than in Historie. Experience cannot plead me ignorant, much lesse innocent, having seene and suffered. I should delude others vanâ spe, or falso gaudio. What can be expected from false, Relations, but vnhappie proceedings, to the best intended, and most hopefull Colonies. So that want of provisions, and right information, begets in the distracted planter nothing but mutinies, fearefull execrations, and sometimes miserable interitures. But of all such perchance hereafter. These were at this time beyond my intent. I onely now and ever desire that my best incense may for ever waite vpon all truely zealous and religious planters and adventurers, who seriously endevour the dilating of Christs kingdome, in the propagating of the Gospell, and so advisedly vndertake so weightie and so worthie a Worke, as that they and theirs may paralell these worthies of the world in all externall, internall, and eternall abundances. Farewell, with this one Memento; That the best intended conclusions, without an equivolent abilitie, produce nothing but losse, discontents, opprobries, and imperfections.