University of Virginia Library

TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS
and Most Noble Princesse,
the Lady Francis, Duchesse
of Richmond and Lenox.

May it please your Grace,

This History, as for the raritie and varietie of the subject, so
much more for the judicious Eyes it is like to undergoe, and most of
all for that great Name, whereof it dareth implore Protection, might
and ought to have beene clad in better robes then my rude military
hand can cut out in Paper Ornaments.

But because, of the most
things therein, I am no Compiler by hearsay, but have beene a reall
Actor; I take my selfe to have a propertie in them: and therefore
have beene bold to challenge them to come under the reach of my
owne rough Pen. That, which hath beene indured and passed
through with hardship and danger, is thereby sweetned to the Actor,
when he becometh the Relator. I have deeply hazarded my selfe in
doing and suffering, and why should I sticke to hazard my reputation
in Recording? He that acteth two parts is the more borne withall if
he come short, or fayle in one of them. Where shall we looke to finde
a Julius Cæesar, whose atchievments shine as cleare in his owne
Commentaries, as they did in the field? I confesse, my hand, though
able to weild a weapon among the Barbarous, yet well may trem-
|| ble in handling a Pen among so many Judicious: especially when
I am so bold as to call so piercing, and so glorious an Eye, as your
Grace, to view these poore ragged lines.

Yet my comfort is, that heretofore honorable and vertuous
Ladies, and comparable but amongst themselves, have offred me
rescue and protection in my greatest dangers: even in forraine parts,
I have felt reliefe from that sex. The beauteous Lady Tragabigzanda,

when I was a slave to the Turkes, did all she could to secure me.
When I overcame the Bashaw of Nalbrits in Tartaria, the charitable
Lady Callamata supplyed my necessities. In the utmost of many
extremities, that blessed Pokahontas, the great Kings daughter of
Virginia, oft saved my life. When I escaped the crueltie of Pirats and
most furious stormes, a long time alone in a small Boat at Sea, and
driven ashore in France, the good Lady Madam Chanoyes, bountifully
assisted me.

And so verily these my adventures have tasted the same influence
from your Gratious hand, which hath given birth to the publication
of this Narration. If therefore your Grace shall daigne to cast your
eye on this poore Booke, view I pray you rather your owne Bountie
(without which it had dyed in the wombe) then my imperfections,
which have no helpe but the shrine of your glorious Name to be
sheltered from censorious condemnation. Vouchsafe some glimpse of
your honorable aspect, to accept these my labours; to protect them
under the shadow of your excellent Name: which will inable them to
be presented to the Kings royall Majestie, the most admired Prince
Charles, and the Queene of Bohemia:

your sweet Recommendations
will make it the worthier of their good countenances. And as all my
endevours are their due tribute: so this Page shall recorde to posteritie,
that my service shall be to pray to God, that you may still
continue the renowned of your sexe, the most honored of men, and
the highly blessed of God.

Your Graces faithfull and devoted servant,

John Smith.