O, that before our time the fleeting ship
Ne’er wandered had in watery wilderness,
That we might first that venture undertake
In strange attempt t’ approve our loyal hearts!
Be it soldiers, seamen, poets, or what else,
In service once enjoin’d, to ready minds
Our want of use should our devoir increase.
Now since instead of art we bring but zeal,
Instead of praise we humbly pardon crave.
The matter which we purpose to present,