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Poems On several Choice and Various Subjects

Occasionally Composed By An Eminent Author. Collected and Published by Sergeant-Major P. F. [i.e. James Howell]

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Before the VOCAL FOREST, To the knowing Reader, Touching the Progress of Learning.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


29

Before the VOCAL FOREST, To the knowing Reader, Touching the Progress of Learning.

Science in India first her beams display'd,
And with the Rising Sun her self convay'd
Through Chaldee into Egypt; then She came
Among the Greeks, and so to Tyber Swam:
Whence clammering ore the Alps, these Northwest parts
She civiliz'd, and introduc'd the Arts.
In Albions woolly Isle, she welcom found,
Which for her Bards and Druyds grew Renown'd
So call'd, because they commonly did use
On God and Natures works 'mongst Trees to Muse,
And fix their Speculations; for in Rind
Of Trees was Learning swadled first, I find.
Th' Egyptian Priests, and Brackmans us'd of old
Their fancies in dark Characters to fold.
The Greeks and Latines us'd to Poetize
By Emblems, Fictions, and Mythologies:
For it was held a pleasing piece of Art,
Things Real under Shadows to impart.
Then be not rash in censure, if I strive
An ancient way of Fancy to revive;

30

While Druyd-like conversing thus with Trees,
Under their bloomy shade I Historize.
Trees were ordain'd for shadow, and I find
Their Leafs were the first vestment of Mankind.