To the Reader; in Vindication of this Book

ONe or two lines to thee I'll here Commend, This honest POEM to defend From Calumny, because at this day, All Poetry there's many do gain-say, And very much condemn, as if the same Did worthily deserve reproach and blame. If any Book in Verse, they chance to spy, Away Prophane, they presently do cry: But tho' this kind of Writing some dispraise, Sith Men so captious are in these our days; Yet I dare say, how e'er the scruple rose, Verse hath express'd as secret things as Prose. Though some there be that Poetry abuse, Must we therefore, not the same method use? Yea, sure, for of my Conscience 'tis the best, And doth deserve more honour then the rest: For 'tis no humane knowledge gain'd by Art, But rather 'tis inspir'd into the Heart By Divine means; for true Divinity Hath with this Science great Affinity: Though some through Ignorance, do it oppose, Many do it esteem, far more then Prose: And find also that unto them it brings Content, and hath been the delight of Kings. David, altho' a King, yet was a Poet, And Solomon also, the Scriptures show it. Then what if for all this some should abuse it? I'me apt to think that Angels do embrace it, And though God giv't here but in Part to some, Saints shall hav't perfect in the World to come.