Great store of fowle, of venison, of grapes and mulberries, Of chestnuts, walnuts, and such like, of fruits and strawberries, There is indeed no want at all, but some, condiciond ill, That wish the worke should not goe on with words doe seeme to kill. And for an instance of their store, the noble Delaware Hath for the present hither sent, to testify his care In mannaging so good a worke, to gallant ships, by name, The Blessing and the Hercules, well fraught, and in the same Two ships, as these commodities, furres, sturgeon, caviare, Black walnut-tree, and some deale boards, with such they laden are; Some pearle, some wainscot and clapboards, with some sassafras wood, And iron promist, for tis true their mynes are very good. Then maugre scandall, false report, or any opposition, Th' adventurers doe thus devulge to men of good condition, That he that wants shall have reliefe, be he of honest minde, Apparel, coyne, or any thing, to such they will be kinde. To such as to Virginia do purpose to repaire; And when that they shall hither come, each man shall have his share. Day wages for the laborer, and for his more content, A house and garden plot shall have; besides, tis further ment That every man shall have a part, and not thereof denaid, Of generall profit, as if that he twelve pounds ten shillings paid; And he that in Virginia shall copper coyne receive, For hyer or commodities, and will the country leave Upon delivery of such coyne unto the Governour, Shall by exchange at his returne be by their treasurer Paid him in London at first sight, no man shall cause to grieve, For tis their generall will and wish that every man should live. The number of adventurers, that are for this plantation, Are full eight hundred worthy men, some noble, all of fashion. Good, discreete, their worke is good, and as they have begun, May Heaven assist them in their worke, and thus our newes is done. RICHARD RICH. Lord Delaware's stay in Virginia marked the turning-point in the fortunes of the colony. New settlements were made, tobacco culture was begun, and Virginia seemed at last fairly started on the road to prosperity. TO THE VIRGINIAN VOYAGE [1611] You brave heroic minds, Worthy your country's name, That honor still pursue, Go and subdue, Whilst loitering hinds Lurk here at home, with shame. Britons, you stay too long: Quickly aboard bestow you, And with a merry gale Swell your stretch'd sail, With vows as strong As the winds that blow you. Your course securely steer, West and by south forth keep! Rocks, lee-shores, nor shoals, When Eolus scowls, You need not fear, So absolute the deep. And cheerfully at sea, Success you still entice, To get the pearl and gold, And ours to hold Virginia, Earth's only paradise.