To the Worshippful Captaine John Mason, who did wisely and worthily governe there divers yeeres.
The aire in Newfound-land is wholesome, good;
The fire, as sweet as any made of wood;
The waters, very rich, both salt and fresh;
The earth more rich, you know it is no lesse
Where all are good, fire, water, earth, and aire,
What man made of these foure would not live there?
To all those worthy women, who have any desire to live in Newfound-land.
Sweet creatures, did you truely understand
The pleasant life you'd live in Newfound-land,
You would with teares desire to be brought thither:
I wish you, when you goe, faire wind, faire weather:
For if you with the passage can dispence [= bear]
When you are there, I know you'll ne'r come thence.
In praise of my Newfound-land.
Did some know what contentment I found there,
Alwayes enough, most times somewhat to spare.
With little paines, lesse toyle, and lesser care,
Exempt from tanings, ill newes, lawing, feare....
To the first Planters of Newfound-land.
What ayme you at in your plantation?
Sought you the honour of our nation?
Or did you hope to raise your owne renowne?
Or else to adde a kingdome to a crowne?
Or Christ's true doctrine for to propagate?
Or drawe salvages to a blessed state?
Or our o're peopled kingdome to relieve?
Or shew poore men where they may richly live?
Or poore mens children godly to maintaine?
Or aym'd you at your owne sweete private gaine?
To some discreet people who thinke anybody good enough for a plantation.
When you doe see an idle, lewd, young man,
You say hee's fit for our plantation.
Knowing your selfe to be riche, sober, wise
You set your owne worth at an higher price.
I say, such men as you are, were more fit,
And most convenient for first peopling it:
Such men as you would quickly profit here:
Lewd, lazy lubbers, want wit, grace, and care.