Classic Poem

Vpon Master Iohn Davies, Beginning his Discoverie of the little World with a Preface vnto the most high and mightie Prince Iames the first King of England &c.

S O , ere he dare adventure on the Maine,
The prudent Sailoure prostrate on the shoare
Makes first his vowes vnto the swan-bred Twaine,
And their aspect religiously implores:

So, ere vnto the Ocean he sets-forth,
Who is this lesse World's great Discouerer,
He turns his eies vnto the hopefull North,
And viewes the Cynosure that shineth there.
Auspicious Star, at whose divine arise
Earth did put of her saddest maske of Night,
Shine mildely on him, who beholdes thine Eies,
As sole directors of his course aright
So that the great world may the lesse world see
By that faire light he borrowed first of thee.