Classic Poem

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.