Page:The muses threnodie (Adamson, 1638).djvu/5

These papers of your mournings on Master Gall appeare unto me as Alcibiadis Sileni, which ridiculously look, with the faces of Sphinges, Chimeraes, Centaures on their outsides, but inwardlie containe rare artifice, and rich jewels of all sorts, for the delight and well of Man. They may deservedlie beare the word, Non intus ut extra. Your two Champions, noble Zannies, discover to us many of the Antiquities of this Countrey more of your auncient towne of Perth, setting downe her situation, founders, her hudge colosse, or bridge, walls, fousies, aqueducts, fortifications, temples, monasteries, and many other singularities. Happie hath Perth beene in such a Citizen: not so other townes of this kingdome, by want of so diligent a searcher and preserver of their fame from oblivion. Some Muses neither to themselves, nor to others do good; nor delighting, nor instructing; yours performe both: And longer to conceale them, will be to wrong your Perth of her due honours, who deserveth no lesse of you than that she should be thus blazoned, and registrate to posteritie, to defraud your selfe of a monument; which after you have left this transitorie world shall keepe your name and memorie to after times. This shall bee preserved by the Towne of Perth for her owne sake first, and after for yours. For to her it hath beene no little glory that she hath brought forth, such a citizen, so eminent in love to her, and so dear to the Muses. Edinburgh , Julij 12. 1637.