The art of graveing and etching wherein is exprest the true way of graueing in copper : allso [sic] the manner & method of that famous Callot & Mr. Bosse in their seuerall ways of etching.
Faithorne, William, 1616-1691.
Page [unnumbered]
To my ingenious Friend Mr. Faithorne on his Book.
SHould I attempt an Elogy, or frame
A Paper structure to secure thy Name;
The lightning of one censure, one stern frown
Might quickly hazard that, and thy renown.
But this thy Book prevents my slender pain,
One Line speaks purelier Thee, than my best strain.
Those Mysteries (once like the spightfull mold
That bars the greedie Spaniard from his Gold)
Thine ingenuitie reveals, and so
By making plain, thou dost Illustrious grow.
That hand, whose curious Art protracts the date
Of frail Mortalitie, and baffles Fate
With Brass and Steel, can surelie potent be
To rear a statelie Monument for Thee.
For my part, I prefer (to guard the Dead)
A Copper Plate, before a sheet of Lead.
So long as Brasse, so long as Books endure,
So long as neat-wrought Pieces, Thour't secure,
A Faithorne sculpsit is a Charm can save
From dull Oblivion, and a gaping Grave.
T. Flatman.
