[The following lines by ANTHONY MUNDAY are omitted by HAKLUYT
in his reprint of this little book in his Principal English Voyages, ii. 136. Ed. 1589-1600.] Verses written by A. M. To the courteous Readers, who was present at Rome, when JOHN Fox received his letters of the Pope. I was at Rome in the English house, when Fox was there and received his letters.
Leaving at large all fables vainly used, all trifling toys that do no truth import; Lo here, how the end (at length) though long diffused, unfoldeth plain a rare and true report: To glad those minds, who seek their country's wealth by proffered pains t'enlarge its happy health, At Rome I was, when Fox did there arrive; therefore I may sufficiently express What gallant joy his deeds did there revive in the hearts of those which heard his valiantness. And how the Pope did recompense his pains, and letters gave to move his greater gains. But yet I know that many do misdoubt that those his pains are fables and untrue: Not only I in this, will bear him out; but divers more that did his Patents view. And unto those so boldly I dare say that nought but truth JOHN FOX doth here bewray. Besides there's one was slave with him in thrall lately returned into our native land; This witness can this matter perfect all: what needeth more? for witness he may stand. And thus I end, unfolding what I know; the other man more larger proof can show.
Honos alit artes.
A. M.
