Perfection, if't hath ever been attayned,
In Gunners Art, this Author hath it gayned,
By Study and Experiences, and he
The Fruite of all his Paynes hath offered Thee,
A Present well befitting this our Age,
When all the World is but a Martiall Stage:
Let sweeter Studies lull a sleepe and please
Men, who presume security, but these
Thy Labors practi'zd, shall more safely guard
Those that foresee the Danger, th'other bar'd
This benefite: Wee Soldiers doe imbrace
This Rare and usefull Worke, and o're the face
Of all the World, let thy Fames Echo sound,
More then that roaring Engin , and redound
To th'Honor of our Nation, that thy Paynes
Transcends all former, and their glory staines.
Captaine John Smith ,
Hungariensis.