A mastif whelp with other ruff-Island-lik Currs fetcht from amongst the Antipedes ::

Expect noe fine phrase from a Souldyers penn
For (Reader) wee the bluntest are of men
Our Elloquence wee vtter with our swordes
Makinge our deedes to pollishe o're our wordes
But yf thou likst a harshe vnpollisht vaine
Why then reade er'e this infant of my braine
It knowes not howe to fawne, it wantes his wittes
To clawe the backe, like true-bredd parrasitts
Its'like (as tis) the Mastif whelpe which bites
Those whom it plaies with, more then it delightes
It is noe lewe to please a ladyes sight
It barkes too loude, t'would wake hir in the night
If thou affectst, right-bredd dogg forth' Beare
Then keepe this whelpe: this dogg such beastes will teare
Or wouldst haue Raynard hunted to his denn?
Heele hunt him too't and fetch him out agenn
Heele seazs vppon the wolfe, (soe bitten's hee)
Noe beaste this dogg will dread that he cann see
Heele hunt the hogg, and shalt not neede be feard,
For heele descrie eatche knaue with in thy yard
If thou canst like a Curr which is soe ruff
Then take thou this he'es full as feirce as tuff.

W. G.

University of Virginia Library

TO THE READER.