Page [unnumbered]
OF Him that this Great Taske hath done
(Great for the goodnesse many wayes)
Fame doth affirme he well hath wonne
Arts highest Prize, and Palme of praise.
In Climes, and Realmes remote throughout,
His merits merit rare report:
For none the like hath brought about;
Or, equaliz'd in any sort.
The Shafts of his endevours, shot
At Gaine, and Pleasure; both have hit:
His Observations have begot
On private, publike Benefit.
Chiefe Cities, Townes, and Countries many
(Which this vast Globe of Earth affords)
I oft have view'd; but never any
So well describ'd by Maps and Words.
His travel'd Body, toyled Minde,
(To bring this Worke at last to rest
In Period which his Plot design'd)
Should now rest famous with the best.
The Romanes such Deserts did Crowne
With Lawrell, which their Soyle brought forth;
But I, of Branches farre-off growne,
Bring Wreathes to this Worke, more of worth▪
The Palme, (wherein rare vertues be,
And for a Conquest, crownes a King)
The Olive, and the Cader Tree,
Faire, fat, and fruitfull; these I bring.
In Egypt, Syria, and the Land
Of Promise (nam'd by holiest High)
I could not see, nor understand,
For vertue, any Trees come nigh;
As these (worth praise) are profitable,
They being of the worthiest kindes:
So in best sense, hath Speed been able,
To please (worth praise) the worthiest Mindes.
In short, to give him then his due,
This Art his better never knew.
IO: SANDERSON.