To my loving and respected frriend Mr. Henry Burkhead Merchant, upon his Tragedie of COLA'S FVRY.
I Once did studie Navigation Thinking to draw my speculation, Vnto the Practique: when (alas) I found Safer (then set to Sea) to stay on ground. But thou (my friend) upon a faire pretence Reserved Art and prosperous Confidence Hast lanced forth into a raging tide, By thee not knowne (till now) nor ever tryed Yet got into the mayne, through Cruell Rocks Trough Read-Sea-Sands, and shelves, and boysterous shocks, Of murdering billowes, Cumbred with sad feares Of frighted and selfe-moaning Passengers, Do'st steere thy Course. Thy Card and Compasse show Thou do'st a plaine, smooth, and direct line know. Thou hast fresh gales and Sea-roome: for who shall Behold thy dolefull Pinnace rise and fall Mid'st such deepe dangers (as herein appeares) Weighing the misery shall with sighes and teares. Supplie the Ocean: with most glad desire Sit in thy steerage-roome: will there admire, Thy new-found skill: and with a dextrous ease Learne to sayle with thee, by like Windes and Seas.Thy assured welwisher,
William Smyth.