The new Atlantis a poem, in three books : with some reflections upon The hind and the panther.

To the Reader.

WHEN the Pamphlet of the Hind and the Panther came out under so celebrated a Name, and was blown about by some interessed little Fellows; I read it with as much eager desire as Curiosity could possibly create, reasonably supposing, the utmost could be said for the Cause of the Hind was there, and if Troy was to be defended, it would be by the Hand of such an Hero. But it cannot be imagined what a surprize I was in to find, that all the seemingly dreadful Host prov'd no more than that ridiculous Army drawn up upon the Mountains, which once made even Alexander stand, but was afterwards with laughter found to be but Troops of Apes. It was very surprising at first sight, as Ostriches in the Desarts are said to be to the Caravans of Merchants, appearing a far off like Horsemen, yet are discern'd upon a nearer approach to be the most stupid and senceless of all Fowls. Indeed for its bulk it imitated one of the mock Ele∣phants Semiramis made use of in her Indian Expedition, all Straw within, and covered with Beasts Hides without.

The Author (whatever he may otherwise have attain'd) hath got sure little credit by it, except he intended it religiously as a piece of mortification, or politickly design'd to annex the Fame of a Prophet to that of a Poet, by making out what he so long since foretold, his fumbling Age of Poetry.

The Cause he pretends to vindicate, he hath much revil'd by defending it so ill, and it hath made not a few think he plaid booty, or at least took his measures from that Graecian Orator and Politician, who intending in a great danger to perswade his Countrymen to Arms, made his Declamation for Peace, but he

brought such weak Arguments, that according to his design they prov'd the greatest Incitements to a War. The Person that vin∣dicates the Hind and the manner of it, makes men naturally re∣flect upon the Religion of Ancient Rome, whose chief Propagators and Defenders were their Poets. This is sure whether the Religion of Antient and Modern Times differ or no, the Policy and Dis∣cipline doth, for the Ancient Romans never reserv'd their Velites to the last.

To the following Poem I shall say little, such as it is you have it, it is my comfort the Justice of my Cause supplies my Defects. Yet I am bold to say, that there is not the least part said against the Cause of the Hind of what might have been; and was ready, and even those things which are said are softned over and over; many things left out in point of Prudence, but many more out of good Manners. I have been as cool and moderate as Truth would let me; and if there remains any bitterness, I had it from the Author of the Hind and Panther in his Preface and Poem of Religio Laici, which indeed is a Confutation of his Hind and Panther before hand. I have took no Poetical Licence in any of my Allegations, they may abundantly be prov'd out of the Writings of the Hinds own Party. So that there is this difference between the Task of my Adversary and me, That what I assert is truth, and ready proved to my hand, and what my Adversary accuses the Panther of is perfect Invention and Calumny, which he drudg'd hard for; and therein I give him the better: I have done as good Sportsmen do, who will not destroy all the Game, but reserve them for their future Recreation and Sport.