New-England. Or A briefe enarration of the ayre, earth, water, fish and fowles of that country With a description of the natures, orders, habits, and religion of the natiues; in Latine and English verse.

New-England . OR A BRIEFE ENARRATION OF THE AYRE , Earth , Water , Fish and Fowles of that Country . WITH A DESCRIPTION of the Natures , Orders , Habits , and Religion of the Natiues ; IN Latine and English Verse .

Sat brevè , si sat benè .

LONDON , Imprinted by I. D. 1625.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE THE LORDS , AND THE Right Worshipfull Knights and Gentlemen ; Adventurers for NEW-ENGLAND .

WHat your favourable imployments haue taught me to obserue , I presume here briefly to relate I hope it will be acceptable , because innocent , though nothing excellent . Vera , non mira cam , assured that with your more acurate judgements . Plus valebit vera oratio quam carminis candida & maxime compta in singulos pedes commensuratio . Censure at the least would be my best sentence , if I should answer such service with a NIHIL DICIT . When in contempt of Envy , I may present your Councell with an OMNE BENE , at least , Certâ spe boni , if the three noble Mistresses of Monarchies , Pietas , Pecunia , and Potentia , royally vndertake and resolutely continue constant favourers to their well ordered and sweetly s●ituated Colonies . Without these , at least the two latter ( I suppose vnder favour ) the Spanyard and Hollander had ●d Graecas callendas raysed to such sweet tones their westerne and easterne flourishing Plantations . But illorum postpono mea ser●a ludo . The keys of Kingdomes , judicious Statesmen are best able to open and explicate these closets and secrets of state . I may admire , but scarce without offence obserue such princely attempts and royall secrets . Yet giue me leaue to you worthy favourers of Colonies , as in armes and architecture to be your remembrancer , first to accompt , and then to accomplish : so power and abilitie shall crowne your proceedings with happie perfections . Beyond these I presume nothing , onely wishing every person in his severall sphere such happie motion as may crowne him with immortall perfection .

Your Honors and Worships servant , late Preacher with the Right Wor : Cap: Rob: Gorge late Governour of New-England . WILLIAM MORRELL .

VNDERSTANDING READER ;

WHen my melancholly leasures first conceived these rude heroiks , my consciou● Muse censured them 〈◊〉 tender-sighted to be admitted the common lig●● Induced by some ki●de friends , who are truely studious of the publiqu● good , I was vnwilli●gly willing to adve●●ure them the publique censure , desirous , I ingeniously confesse : ( and so I professe my selfe ever ) in my best endevours , to further such royall and religious imployments : if my po●re iudgement can ass●redly obserue p●tie to be one prime end of plantation , and the vnder-taking probable to prosper . If ( Gentle Reader ) these lyne● please the● , pervse and vse vs gently : if not , Parce vati . You know that Ex quó-libet ligno non fit M●●curius . Besides , error in Poefi● is lesse blemish than in Historie , Experienc● cannot 〈…〉 ignorant , much lesse innocent , hav● gsee●e and suffered . I should delude others vanâ spe , or fal●o gaudio . What can be expected from false Relations , but vnhappie proceedings , to the best intended , and most hopefull Colonies . So that want of provisions , and right information , begets in the distract●● planter n●thing but mutinies , fearefull execrations , and sometimes miserable interitures . But of all such perchance hereafter . These were at this time beyond my intent . I onely non and ever desire that my ●est incense may for ever waite vpon all truely zealous and religious planters and adventurers , who seri●●sly endevour the dilat●ug of Christs kingdo●● , in the propagating of the Go●pell , and so advise●ly vndertake so weightie and so worthie a Worke , as that they and theirs may paralell these worthies of the world in all externall , internall , and eternall abundances . Farewell with this 〈◊〉 Mem●●● 〈…〉 without an equiv●lent abilitie , produce nothing but losse , 〈◊〉 , oppro●ries , and imperfectio●s .

Thine if thy owne , W. M.

¶ Lectori . Candide si placidum dederis Philomuse Camoenae Intuitum : trifti dulce levamen erit . Optima mellifluis modulari carmina nervis Illud Apollineis cantibus euge melos . Mellea coeleste est effundere carmina munus , Frustrà de sicco pumice quaeris aquam , Dicito musa probè , brevitèr , simul , ordine , perge : Gloria summa ●ibi dicere vera : Vale. Gul : M. Perlege : pars vltima , prima .

¶ NOVA ANGLIA . HActenùs ignotam populis ego carmine primus , Te Nova , de veteri cui contigit Anglia nomen , Aggredior trepidus pingui celebrare Minervâ , Fer mihi numen opem , cupienti singula plectro Pandere veridico , quae nuper vidimus ipsi : Vt brevitèr vereque , sonent modulamina nostra , Temperiem coeli , vim terrae , munera ponti , Et varios gentis mores , velamina , cultus . Anglia faelici meritò Nova nomine gaudens , Saevos nativi mores pertaesa Coloni , Indigni penitùs populi tellure feraci , Maesta superfusis attollit fletibus ora , Antiquos precibus flectens ardentibu● Angl●s , Numinis aeterni faelicem lumine gentem Efficere : aeternis quae nunc peritura tenebris . Gratum opus hoc Indis , dignumque pijs oput Anglis , Angelicae quibus est naturae nomen in vmbra : Caelica vt extremis dispergant semina terris . Est locus occiduo procul hinc spatiosus in orbe , Plurima regna tenens , populisque incognitus ipsis : Faelix frugiferis sulcis , simul aequore faelix : Praedis perdives varijs , & flumine lives , Axe satis calidus , rigidoque a frigore tutus . Proximus aethereo socius volitabilis igni Aer , natali saliens levitate ; calore Temperieque satis faelicibus , humidus ante Omnia principia , innatâ virtute coactus Sistere diffi●ilè in propri● regione , volenti Alterius motu penetrans loca , inania complens Vi tenuj : foeae regio quae proximae terrae Solis ab igne , poli motu , terraeque vaporum , Vndeque attractu calet hinc , hinc humida restat , Hinc fit temperies : fit & hâc Nova terra beata : Est aliquandò tamèn rapidis subiecta procellis , Quae sceleri subitoque solumque salumque minantur , Flamine corripere , & terras diffundere caelis : Mox tamèn Aeolio compressis carcere ventis Omnia continuò remanent sub sidere tuta . Indè suis vicibus luctantes murmure venti Qua data porta ruunt , quatientes turbine terras . Magna pare●s tellus , reram communis a●umna , Frigida sicca gravis subsidens vallibus imis , Montibus extendens nemerosa cacumina celsis Longiùs intuitu nautis pergrata : feraci Irriguoque solo l●tanti messibus aequis Optima frugiferis mandantes semina suleis . Agricolis quam terra ferax , quae grata ministrat Assiduis alimenta viris : nulloque serenti Dulcia d●t variae naturae mora nucesque Dissimi●les , placidas tumidasque in vitibus vuas Innumeris , mixtas redolentes floribus herbas Multigenis , morbo loesos medicare potentes Artus , radices similis virtutis amaenas . Dimine gramineo nux subterranea suavis Serpit humi , tenui● flavo sub cortice , pingui Et placido nucleo nivei candoris ab intra , Melliflua parcos hilarans dulcedine g●ustus , Donec in aestivum Phoebus conscenderit axem . His nupeis lautè versutus vescitur Indus : His exempta fames segnis nostratibus omnis Dulcibus his vires revocantur victibus almae . Arboribus dives vernantibus , est quoque tellus Cedris , & fagis , Iuglandibus & Iovis altâ Arbore , fraxineâ , gummosis pinibus , alnis , Iuniperis , multisque alijs tum gramine & herbis , Pascua quae prebent animalibus , vndè fugaces Pinguescunt cervi , vulpes vrsique lupique Linces , & fibri , musci , lutraque politae Pellibus eximij pretij , volucresque saporis Perplacidi variae , pellique gruesque palumbes , Megulus & Phasianus , anas , cignus Iovis ales , Penelopesque , columbae , perdix , accipitresque , Et capitolij aves variae tum carne saporâ , Tum pennis placidè decorantibu● arte canautas : Equibus ornatu capitis , fit plumula digna Vertice sublimi , quibus ad renovanda levanda , Languida perplacidum completur membra cubile . Intima frugiferae vix cognita viscera terrae Praetereo : artifices gremium serutentur opimum . Dulce solum caelumque vides en terra serenis , Perspicuis , placidis , levibus , liquidisque beata Fontibus , & fluvijs facili quaerentibus Eurum ▪ Motu , praecipiti cursu post flumina nimbos ▪ In mare decurrunt stagnisque paludibus Indis , Aucupio placidis benè , piscatuque colonis . Grata solum , caelumque viris alimonia praebent . Devia quam dives regio haec ? benedicta sereno Aere , faecundis glebis , faelicibus vndis . Prospera tranquillus contingit littora portus Altus , apertus , vbi valeant se condere naves ▪ I●vitis . ventis , securae , rupe & arenâ ▪ Aequora multiplices proebent tranquilla marina● Temporibus solitis praedas utentibus hamis : Ha●ices , fagros , scombros cancrosque locustas , Ostrea curvatis conchis , conchasque trigones Cete eti●● rhombos , sargos , cum squatina asellos . His n●ves vastas o●erat piscator honestus : His mercator opes cumulat venerabilis almas , His pius ampla satis faciat sibi lucra colonus : Denique divitibus quibus intima cura suorum Divitie & pietas , licet hisce beare colonos . Digna viris patria endignis , vbi maenia digna . Principibus claris facilè est fabricare columnis Exce●●●s , cheu nunc tota cupidinis antrum . Sunt etenim populi minimi sermonis , & oris 〈◊〉 , risusque parùm savique saperbi , Constricto nodis hirsuto crine sinistro , Imparibus formis tondentes ordine villos , Mollia magnanimae peragentes otia gentes , Arte sagittiferâ pollentes , cursibus , armis Astutae , recto , robusto corpore & alto , Pellibus indu●tae cervinis , frigora contra Aspera , cum placeant conversis flamina pelles Obvia ut impellant , c●lefacto pelle lacerto Dextro , quo facilis sit flexile sumere ●ornu , Omnia ut extinguant subitò in surgentia , & ipsos Salvos desendant , inducto tergore corpus Villoso , levitèr miris se singula formis Texta ligant , molles cingunt genitalia pelles , Grande femur caligae cervinae curaque longa● Exornant , plantas conservat calceus aptus , Hos taemen exutos curant aliundè reversi Depositosque suosealamos , arcu●que sonantes , Fessaque constrato sua stramine membra soluti● Tectis instar harae , dextrè loca verna petentes , Adveniente hiemis g●aciali tempore saev● , Inque suam patriam redeuntes sole benign● Calfaciente leves artus fervore , revisa Vt pereant inimica , soloque nocentia , frugem Detque solum solitam , rutilis dant ignibus arva . Horum non●ulli regali nomine gaudent , Et consorte tori prognatâ sanguine tali , Regibus undè pari fuerit virtute propago , Rectores faciens regali prole parentes : Inferiore sibi capientes stirpe maritas , Progeniem timidam credunt , cordisque socordis Nec solij , sceptrive sui fore posse capacem . Rex tenet imperium , p●nas & pramia cunctis Constituit , dat iura ; senes , viduasque pupillos Et miseros curat , peregrinos molitèr omnes Excipit hospitio semper , tamen indè ( tributi N●mine ) primitias rerum partemque priorem , Ven●tu captae praedae capit , atque requirit . Cingitur obsequio regis plebs omnis , & ultrò Arma capit , fortique facit sua pralia dextrâ Pallida lethiferis , faciens praecordia telis Hostium , & expugnans sceleratis fata sagittis . Insupèr ●rnavit quorum Bellona cor●llâ Tempera , praesidio , vitâ , virtute virili , Regibus incedunt comites tutamine certo . His reges capiunt consultis cautiùs arma ; C●utiùs exactis faciunt his fadera bellis : Eloquijs horum concedere regibus omnis Subsidium , quodcunque valet , plebs alma movetur , Mundi acie tantùm semel vndè profecta reversâ . Nec priùs excerce● crudelia paruulus arma , Qu●● patiens armorum vt sit sibi pectus , amaram Herbis compositam ●eramaris sorbiat vndam , Vsque in sanguineum vertatur lympha colorem , Vndique sanguinea ex vomitu rebibenda tenellis . Vsque va●ent m●ribus : sic fit natura parata Omnia dura pati : puer haec cui potio grata ▪ ●●ctore fit valido cuncta expugnare pericl● . Magnanimis medici comites virtute periti Artibus ●●mpericis , diro contamine , tactu , Fi●tu , sudore , & percusso pectore palmis Duritèr expassis proprio , pallentia eorum Corpora resti●unt facili medicamine sana : Vu●ner● sanandi si nulla potentia verbis , Artibus out herbis , confestim spiritus illi● , Impius humanâ specie respondet iniquis Reddidit iratus Deus artus morte solutos Moribus : undè dolor nullis medicabilis herbis . Denique sunt populi fungentes munere iusso , Instar servorum , quacunque subire parati Ardua , consilijs subiecti , foemina , fumus , Indicus ad certos inhibetur , & omnibus annos . Poste● liberior concessa potentia cunctis , Connubio multas sibi coniunxisse maritas : Ditior est plures nuptas qui duxerit omnis , Viribus , & natis : nati quia summa parentum Gaudia , descessus quorum ( nam mortis hiatu Compressos lachrimis decorant ) longoque gravique Commemorant luctu , tumulisque cadivera mandant . A genibus subrecta cavis pallentia cuncta ; 〈◊〉 opibus tumulis , Titanis ad ortus , Attollunt facies , ad quem post tempora longa Venturos credunt omnes , vbi praemia digna Imposita accipient , fuerintque salutis ad hortos Elysios vecti , mirandaque gaudia , summis Exornata bonis : haec spes post funera gentis . Est alia vtilitas , multis vxoribus arva , Valdè onerata tenent Cerea●ibus , omnis eorum Nocte dieque cib● gaudet quasi natus vt omnes Illicò consumat fruges , su● granaque ( Marte Aripiente man● penetrantia tela ) minutis , Abdita speluncis tutis , & ab hostibus , hoste Decedente suo subitò repetenda reponit . Artibus Hybernus pr●duxit temporis olim . Multum Marte , levis , virsutus , durus , inermis , Difficilè edomitus done● secreta latebant Iudicia , atque doli taciti : fit & arte supers●●s . Saepiùs hac Indus , victoris victor & ingens , Faemina praetereà vultu plerumque ven●sto , Multos irridens risus , linguamque loquacem ; Iudicioque gravi , genio placidoque virili Pectore , perrecta corpus per & omne statur● Nervis conexâ validis , manibusque tenellis , Pollice pergracili , digitis faelicitèr altis . Inclita diversis faciendo est gramine corbes Contextos formis , varioque colore tapetum . Stramine compositum tenui , mirisque figuris . His decor eximius color est contrarius albo : Ortibus vndè suis per totum candidus artus Et piceo facies est ●bfucata colore . Consuetudo tamen populis his faemina vt omnis , Omnia perficiat duri mandata laboris : Arva fodit manibus , committit semina terris , Vtque seges crescit levibus fulcitur ab illa , Continuò terris , segitem sarritque resarit , Tergore portat onus , victumque labore paratum , Et brevitèr peragit mulier conamine prompto , Omnia ad humanam spectantia munera vitam . Hinc Anglos Indi stolidos dixere maritos , Cum videant operis ferventes omnibus illos , Attamèn uxores omnem deducere vitam Molli , vel nullo fungendi munere dextrâ . Quamlibet ob noxam manet altâ mente reposta Invidia & dirum gelido sub pectore vulnus . Vndè fugit sceleri pede fortia fortis in arma Hostis , & indè sui laetans fit sponsa cubilis . Praeda satis faelix ; hinc victa iniuria mentis , Denique cuiusdam cultores numinis omnes Sunt , cui primitias reddunt , quotiesque necesse ▪ Fortia discruciat miserabile pectora , luctu Acrique horrendis clamoribus aethera complent . Omnia principio fecisse agnoscitur illis , Vnum principium , primos crevisse parentes , Vnum terrarum dominum , consorte ; duobus His mortale genus divam sumpsisse figuram : Quorum progenies illi , quoque stirpe racemi . Insupèr hunc dominum dominis posuisse creatis , Optima iustitiae sacrae praecepta docenda , Sacro perpetuis aetatibus omnia iussu . Hactenùs est omnis longaevae litera genti Vix audita , viris penitusque incognita cunctis . Fas , non quid fasti : falsum non , faedera curant : Lumine naturae summi sunt iuris amantes Promissique dati ; tanti sunt faedera genti . Nulla fides populis tamèn est capiente sagittas ▪ Marte feras , fueris ●isi saevis fortior armis . Litera cuncta licet latet hos , modulamina quaedam Fistulae disparibus cala●●s facit , est & agrestis Musica vocis ijs , minimè iucundi , sonoris Obtusisque sonis ob●ectans pectora , sensus , Atque suas aures , artis sublimis inanes . Omnes , praesertim multos provectus in annos , Indus , quid coeli , cursus , quid sidera , vires Sunt , benè concipiunt animis , coelumque futurum : Quâ mihi notitiâ latet , aut quo numine certo . Festa tamen gens nulla nisi Cerealia servat : Genti nulla dies sancto discrimine nota : Annus & ignotus , notus tamen est bene mensis , Nam sua lunari distinguunt tempora motu , Non quot Phoebus habet cursus , sed quot sua coniux Expletos vicibus convertat Cinthia cursus : Noctibus enumerant sua tempora , nulla diebus , Mosque dijs Indis est inservire duobus , Quorum mollis , amans , bona dans , inimica repellens . Vnus , amore bonum venerantur : at invidus alter Dires effundens cum turbine , fulgura , nimbos , Afficiensque malis varijs , morbisque nefandis , Et violentis : hunc gelidà formidine adorant . Naturae gens luce suae sublimia tentat , Agnoscens praecepta dei pia singula summi , Excepto de ducendis vxoribus vno , Affectis etenim morbis vxoribus ●llis , Vel gravidis , alijs opus est vxoribus illis . Heù quam dissimilis naturae , gratia vera , Humina & ratio . Sublimia gratia vitae Aspicit aeternae fidei bonitate potita : Enervata suis ratio at virtutibus aequis . Illi nulla manet verae scintilla salutis , Talia quis fando lachrimas non fundit amaras , Divinae lucis , virtutis visque capacem Gentem ▪ coelestis , verae pietatis inanem . Flebilis ardentes mitti Phlegetontis in undas . Aspicis effigiem terrae , levis aetheris , vndae : Aspicis antiquae mores , v●lamina , gentis : Aspicis optatos , hilarantia littora , portus : Aspicis his modicum faelicitèr ( Ente faventi Caelesti caeptis ) laetantia singula votum . Si mea Barbaricae prosint conamina genti : Si valet Angli●nis inco●pta placere poesis : Et sibi perfaciles hac reddere gente potentes , Assiduosque pios sibi persuadere Colonos : Si doceat primi vitam victumque parentis● Angli si fuerint Indis exempla beatè Vivendi , capiant quibus ardua limina coeli : Omnia succedunt votis : modulamina spero Haec mea sublimis fuerint praesagia regni .

New-England so nam'd by your Princely Grace , Dread Soveraigne , now , most humbly sues to see Your Royall Highnes in your Regall place , Wishing your Grace all peace , blisse , soveraignty , Trusting your Goodnesse will her state and fame Support , which goodnesse once vouchsaf'd her name . If thou Apollo holdst thy Scepter ●orth , To these 〈◊〉 numbers that 's thy Royall worth . Vaine is all search in these to search that vaine , Whose stately style is great Apolloes straine . Minerva ne're distil'd into my Muse He● sacred droppes , my pume●se wants all iuce . My Muse is plaine concise her fam's to tell In truth , and method . Loue , or leaue : Farewell .

NEW-ENGLNAD . F'Eare not poore Muse , 'cause first to sing her fame , That 's yet scarce known , vnlesse by Map or name ; A Grand-childe to earths Paradize is borne , Well lim'd , well nerv'd , ●aire , rich , sweete , yet forlorne . Thou blest director so direct my V●rse , That it may winne her people , friends commerce ; Whils● her sweet ayre , rich soile , blest Seas , my penne Shall blaze , and tell the natures of her men . New-England , happie in her new true stile , Wearie of her cause she 's to sad exile Expos'd by her's vnworthy of her Land , Intreates with teare● Great Brittaine to command Her Empire , and to make her know the time , Whose act and knowledge onely makes divine . A Royall worke well worthy Englands King , These Natiues to true truth and grace to bring . A Noble worke for all these Noble Peares Which guide this State in their superiour spheres . You holy Aarons let your Sensors nere Cease burning , till these men Iehovah feare . Westward a thousand leagues a spatious land , Is made vnknowne to them that it command . Of fruit●ull mould , and no lesse fruitlesse maine Inrich with springs and prey high-land and plaine . The light well tempred , humid ayre , whose breath Fils full all concaues betwixt heaven and earth , So that the Region of the ayre is blest With what Earths mortals wish to be possest . Great Titan dartes on her his heavenly rayes , Whereby extreames he quells , and overswaye● . Bl●st is this ayre with what the ayre can blesse ; Yet frequent ghusts doe much this place distresse ▪ Here vnseene ghusts doe instant on-set giue , As heaven and earth they would together driue . An instant power doth surprize their rage , In their vast prison , and their force asswage . Thus in exchange a day or two is spent , In smiles and frownes : in great yet no content . The earth grand-parent to all things on earth , Cold , dry , and heavie , and the next beneath The ayre by Natures arme with low discents , Is as it were intrencht ; againe ascents Mount vp to heaven by Ioues omnipotence , Whose looming greenesse ioyes the Sea-mans sence . Invites him to a land if he can see , Worthy the Thrones of stately soveraigntie . The fruitfull and well watered earth doth glad All hearts ; when Flora's with her spangles clad , And yeelds an hundred fold for one , To feede the Bee and to invite the drone . O happie Planter if you knew the height Of Planters honours where ther 's such delight ; There Natures bounties though not planted are , Great store and sorts of berries great and faire : The Filberd , Cherry , and the fruitfull Vine , Which cheares the heart and makes it more divine . Earths spangled beauties pleasing smell and sight ; Objects for gallant choyce and chiefe delight . A ground-Nut there runnes on a grassie threed , Along the shallow earth , as in a bed , Yealow without , thin , filmd , sweete , lilly white , Of strength to feede and cheare the appetite . From these our natures may haue great content , And good subsistance when our meanes is spent . With these the Natiues doe their strength maintaine The Winter season , which time they retaine Their pleasant vertue , but if once the Spring Returne , they are not worth the gathering . All ore that Maine the Vernant trees abound , Where Cedar , Cypres , Spruce , and Beech are found . Ash , Oake , and Wal-nut , Pines and Iunipere ; The Hasel , Palme , and hundred more are there . Ther 's grasse and hearbs contenting man and beast , On which both Deare , and Beares , and Wolnes do feast . Foxes both gray and blacke , ( though blacke I never Beheld , ) with Museats , Lynces , Otter , Bever ; With many other which I here omit , Fit for to warme vs , and to feede vs fit . The Fowles that in those Bayes and Harbours ●eede , Though in their seasons they doe els-where breede , Are Swans and Geese , Herne , Phesants , Duck & Crane , Culvers and Divers all along the Maine : The Turtle , Eagle , Partridge , and the Quaile , Knot , Plover , Pigeons , which doe never faile , Till Sommers heate commands them to retire , And Winters cold begets their old desire . With these sweete dainties man is sweetly fed , With these rich feathers Ladies plume their head ; Here 's flesh and feathers both for vse and ease , To feede , adorne , and rest thee if thou please . The treasures got , on earth , by Titans beames , They best may search that haue best art and meanes . The ayre and earth if good , are blessings rare , But when with these the waters blessed are , The place is compleat , here each pleasant spring , Is like those fountaines where the Muses sing . The easie channels gliding to the East , Vnlesse oreflowed , then post to be releast , The Ponds and places where the waters stay , Content the Fowler with all pleasant prey . Thus ayre and earth and water giue content , And highly honour this rich Continent . As Nature hath this Soile blest , so each port Abounds with blisse , abounding all report . The carefull Naucleare may a-farre discry The land by smell , ast loomes below the skie . The prudent Master there his Ship may more , Past winde and weather , then his God adore , Man forth each Shalop with three men to Sea , Which oft returne with wondrous store of prey ; As Oysters , Cra-fish , Crab , and Lobsters great , In great abundance when the Seaes retreate : Tort●ise , and Herring , Turbut , Hacke and Base , With other small fish , and fresh bleeding Place ; The mightie Whale doth in these Harbours lye , Whose Oyle the carefull Merchant deare will buy . Besides all these and others in this Maine : The costly Codd doth march with his rich traine : With which the Sea-man fraughts his merry Ship : With which the Merchant doth much riches get : With which Plantations richly may subsist , And pay their Merchants debt and interest ▪ Thus ayre and earth , both land and Sea yeelds store Of Natures dainties both to rich and poore ; To whom if heavens a holy Vice-roy giue , The state and people may most richly liue : And there erect a Pyramy of estate , Which onely sinne and Heaven can ruinate . Let deepe discretion this great worke attend , What 's well begun forth ' most part well doth end : So may our people peace and plentie finde , And kill the Dragon that would kill mankinde . Those well seene Natiues in gra●e Natures hests , All close designes conceale in their deepe brests : What strange attempts so ere they doe intend , Are fairely vsherd in , till their last ende . Their well advised talke evenly conveyes Their acts to their intents , and nere displayes Their secret proiects , by high words or light , Till they conclude their end by fraud or might . No former friendship they in minde retaine , If you offend once , or your loue detaine : They 're wondrous cruell , strangely base and vile , Quickly displeasd , and hardly reconcild ; Stately and great , as read in Rules of state : Incensd , not caring what they perpetrate . Whose hayre is cut with greeces , yet a locke Is left ; the left side bound vp in a knott : Their males small labour but great pleasure know , Who nimbly and expertly draw the bow ; Traind vp to suffer cruell heate and cold , Or what attempt so ere may make them bold ; Of body straight , tall , strong , mantled in skin Of Deare or Bever , with the hayre-side in : An Otter skin their right armes doth keepe warme , To keepe them fit for vse , and free from harme ▪ A Girdle set with formes of birds or beasts , Begirts their waste , which gently giues them'ease . Each one doth modestly binde vp his shame , And Deare-skin Start-vps reach vp to the same ; A kinde of Pinsen keeps their feete from cold , Which after travels they put off , vp-fold , Themselues they warme , their vngirt limbes they rest In straw , and houses , like to sties : distrest With Winters cruell blasts , a hotter clime They quickly march to , when that extreame time Is over , then contented they retire To their old homes , burning vp all with fire . Thus they their ground from all things quickly cleare , And make it apt great store of Corne to beare . Each people hath his orders , state , and head , By which they 'r rul'd , taught , ordered , and lead . The first is by discent their Lord and King , Pleas'd in his name likewise and governing : The consort of his bed must be of blood Coequall , when an of-spring comes as good , And highly bred in all high parts of state , As their Commanders of whom they'rs prognate . If they vnequall loues at hymens hand Should take , that vulgar seede would nere command In such high dread , great state and deepe decrees Their Kingdomes , as their Kings of high degrees : Their Kings giue lawes , rewards to those they giue , That in good order , and high service liue . The aged Widow and the Orphanes all , Their Kings maintaine , and strangers when they call , They entertaine with kinde salute for which , In homage , they haue part of what 's most rich . These heads are guarded with their stoutest men , By whose advice and skill , how , where , and when , They enterprize all acts of consequence , Whether offensiue or for safe defence . These Potents doe invite all once a yeare , To giue a kinde of tribute to their peere . And here obserue thou how each childe is traind , To make him fit for Armes he is constraind To drinke a potion made of hearbs most bitter , Till turnd to blood with casting , whence he 's fitter , Induring that to vnder-goe the worst Of hard attempts , or what may hurt him most . The next in order are their well seene men In herbes ▪ and rootes , and plants , for medicen , With which by touch , with clamors , teares , and sweat , With their curst Magicke , as themselues they beat , They quickly ease : but when they cannot saue , But are by death surprizd , then with the graue The divell tells them he could not dispence ; For God hath kild them for some great offence . The lowest people are as servants are , Which doe themselues for each command prepare : They may not marry nor Tobacco vse , Tell certaine yeares , least they themselues abuse . At which yeares to each one is granted leaue , A wife , or two , or more , for to receiue ; By having many wiues , two things they haue , First , children , which before all things to saue They covet , 'cause by them their Kingdomes fild , When as by fate or Armes their liues are spild . Whose death as all that dye they sore lament , And fill the skies with cryes : impatient Of nothing more then pale and fearefull death , Which old and young bereaues of vitall breath ; Their dead wrapt vp in Mats to th' graue they giue , Vpright from th knees , with goods whilst they did liue , Which they best lou'd : their eyes turn'd to the East , To which after much time , to be releast They all must March , where all shall all things haue That heart can wish , or they themselues can craue . A second profit which by many wiues They haue , is Corne , the staffe of all their liues . All are great eaters , he 's most rich whose bed Affords him children , profit , pleasure , bread . But if fierce Mars , begins his bow to bend , Each King stands on his guard , seekes to defend Himselfe , and his , and therefore hides his graine In earths close concaues , to be fetch'd againe If he survives : thus saving of himselfe , He acts much mischiefe , and retains his wealth . By this deepe wyle , the Irish long withstood The English power , whilst they kept their food , Their strength of life their Corne ; that lost , they long Could not withstand this Nation , wise , stout , strong . By this one Art , these Natiues ost surviue Their great'st opponents , and in honour thriue . Besides , their women , which for th' most part are Of comely formes , not blacke , nor very faire : Whose beautie is a beauteous blacke laid on Their paler cheeke , which they most doat vpon . For they by Nature are both faire and white , Inricht with gracefull presence , and delight ; Deriding laughter , and all pratling , and Of sober aspect , grast with gra●e command : Of man-like courage , statu●e tall and straight , Well neru'd , with hands and fingers small and right . Their slender finger● on a grassie twyne , Make well form'd Baskets wrought with art and lyne ; A kinde of Arras , or Straw-hangings , wrought With divers formes , and colours , all about . These gentle pleasures , their fine fingers fit , Which Nature seem'd to frame rather to sit . Rare Stories , Princes , people , Kingdomes , Towers , In curious finger-worke , or Parchment flowers : Yet are these hands to labours all intent , And what so ere without doores , giue content . These hands doe digge the earth , and in it lay Their faire choyce Corne , and take the weeds away As they doe grow , raysing with earth each hill , As Ceres prospers to support it still . Thus all worke-women doe , whilst men in play , In hunting , Armes , and pleasures , end the day . The Indians whilst our Englishmen they see In all things servile exercisd to be : And all our women freed , from labour all Vnlesse what 's easie : vs much fooles they call , 'Cause men doe all things ; but our women liue In that content which God to man did giue : Each female likewise long reteines deepe wrath , And s nere appeas'd till wrongs reveng'd shee hath : For they when forraigne Princes Armes vp take Against their Leige , quickly themselues betake To th' adverse Armie , where they 're entertaind With kinde salutes , and presently are daign'de Worthy faire Hymens favours : thus offence Obtaines by them an equall recompence . Lastly , though they no lynes , nor Altars know , Yet to an vnknowne God these people bow ; All feare some God , some God they worship all , On whom in trouble and distresse they call ; To whom of all things they giue sacrifice , Filling the ayre with her shrill shrikes and cries . The knowledge of this God they say they haue From their forefathers , wondrous wise and graue ; Who told them of one God , which did create All things at first , himselfe though increate : He our first parents made , yet made but two , One man one woman , from which stocke did grow Royall mankinde , of whom they also came And tooke beginning , being , forme and frame : Who gaue them holy lawes , for aye to last , Which each must teach his childe till time be past : Their grosse fed bodies yet no Letters know , No bonds nor bills they value , but their vow . Thus without Arts bright lampe , by Natures eye , They keepe iust promise , and loue equitie . But if once discord his fierce ensigne weare , Expect no promise vnle'st be for feare : And , though these men no Letters know , yet their Pans harsher numbers we may some where heare : And vocall odes which vs affect with griefe ; Though to their mindes perchance they giue reliefe . Besides these rude insights in Natures brest , Each man by some meanes is with sence possest Of heavens great lights , bright starres and influence , But chiefely those of great experince : Yet they no feasts ( that I can learne ) obserue , Besides their Ceres , which do'th them preserue . No dayes by them descernd from other dayes , For holy certaine service kept alwayes . Yet they when extreame heate doth kill their Corne , Afflict themselues some dayes , as men forelorne . Their times they count not by the yeare as we , But by the Moone their times distingui'sht be . Not by bright Phoebus , or his glorious light , But by his Phoebe and her shadowed night . They now accustom'd are two Gods to serue , One good , which giues all good , and doth preserue ; This they for loue adore : the other bad , Which hurts and wounds , yet they for feare are glad To worship him : see here a people who Are full of knowledge , yet doe nothing know Of God aright ; yet say his Lawes are good All , except one , whereby their will 's withstood . In having many wiues , if they but one Must haue , what must they doe when they haue none . O how farre short comes Nature of true grace , Grace sees God here ; hereafter face to face : But Nature quite en●ru'd of all such right , Reteines not one poore sparcle of true light . And now what soule dissolues not into teares , That hell must haue ten thousand thousand heires , Which haue no true light of that truth divine , Or sacred wisedome of th' Eternall Trine . O blessed England farre beyond all sence , That knowes and loues this Trines omnipotence . In briefe survey here water , earth , and ayre , A● people proud and what their orders are . The fragrant flowers , and the Vernant Groues , The merry Shores , and Storme-a●●ranting Coues . In briefe , a briefe of what may make man blest , If man's content abroad can be possest . If these poore lines may winne this Country loue , Or kinde compassion in the English moue ; Perswade our mightie and renowned State , This pore-blinde people to comiserate ; Or painefull men to this good Land invite , Whose holy workes these Natiues may inlight : If Heavens graunt these , to see here built I trust ; An English Kingdome from this Indian dust . FINIS .

EXcuse this Postscript , perchance more profitable than the Prescript . It may be a necessary Caveat for many who too familiarly doe Serò sapere . The discreet artificer is not onely happie to vnderstand what may f●yrely and infallibly further his duly considered designes and determinations : but to discover and remoue what obstacle soever may oppose his well-advised purposes , and probable conclusions . I therefore , desiring that every man may be a Promethius , not an Epimethius , haue here vnderwritten such im●ediments as I haue observed wonderfully offensiue to all Plantations ; Quae prodesse qu●ant & delectare legentem .

First therefore I conceiue that far distance of plantations produce many inconveniences and disabilities of planters , when as severall Colonies consist but of 〈◊〉 , or thirtie , or about that number , which in a vast vncommanded Continent , makes them liable to many and miserable exigents , which weakens all vnion , and leaues them difficultly to be assisted against a potent or daily enemy , and dangerously to be commanded ; when as some one Bay well fortified would maintaine and inrich some thousands of persons , if it be planted with men , able , ingenious , and laborious , being well furnished with all provisions and necessaries for plantations . Besides , ●f one Bay be well peopled , it s easily defended , surveyed , disciplined , and commanded , be the seasons never so vnseasonable , and all their Forces in few houres readie in Armes , either offensiuely to pursue , or defensiuely to subsist convenient numbers ever at sea , and sufficient ever at home for all service , intelligence and discoverie .

Secondly , Ignorance of seasons , servants , situation , want of people , provisions , supplies , with 〈…〉 courage and patience , in and against all opposition , 〈◊〉 and affliction . Vincit patientia durum . Fishermen , manuall artificers , e●geners , and good fowlers are excellent servants , and onely fit for plantations . Let not Gentlemen or Citizens once imagine that I preiudize their reputations , for I speake no word beyond truth , for they are too high , or not patient of such service : though they may be very necessary for Martiall discipline , or excellent , ( if pious ) for example to the seditious and inconsiderate multitude .

Boats with all their furniture , as sayles , hookes , and lines , and other appendences , afford the painefull planter both varietie of comfort , and a sufficient competent , and an happie estate . Good mastiues are singular defences to plantations , in the terrifying or pursuing of the light-footed Natiues . Hogs and Goats are easie , present , and abundant profit , living and feeding on the Ile-lands almost without any care or cost .

Plantations cannot possibly , profitably subsist without chattels and boats , which are the onely meanes for surveying and conveying both our persons and provisions to the well advised scituation . Without these , plantations may with much patience , and well fortified resolution indure but difficultly , though with much time flourish and contentedly subsist . For when men are landed vpon an vnknowne shore , per adventure weake in number and naturall powers , for want of boats ' and carriages ; are compelled to stay where they are first landed , having no meanes to remoue themselues or their goods , be the place never so fruitlesse or inconvenient for planting , building houses , boats , or stages , or the harbours never so vnfit for fishing , fowling , or mooring their boats . Of all which , and many other things necessary for plantation , I purpose to enforme thee hereafter . Wishing thee in the interim all furtherance , all fortunatenesse .

Farewell .