Richard Rich (fl.1610) was an Englishman who traveled to Virginia with Captain Christopher Newport. He recounted his voyage in a narrative poem, consisting of twenty-two eight- line verses, titled, Newes from Virginia: The Lost Flock Triumphant, published in London, October 1, 1610, by Edw. Allde. The poem contained the account of their shipwreck on the "Bermoothawes" (Bermudas), which is the probable inspiration for Shakespeare's play, The Tempest.
In Newes from Virginia-The Lost Flocke Triumphant, Richard Rich wrote:
<With the happy Arrivall of that famous and worthy Knight Sr. Thomas Gates: and the well-reputed and valiant Captaine Mr Christopher Newport, and others, into England. With the maner of their distresse in the Hand of Devils (otherwise called Bermoothawes), where they remayned 42 weeks, and builded two Pynaces, in which they returned into Virginia. By R. Rich, Gent., one of the Voyage (1610).> 1610RR001
Richard Rich wrote:
<God will not let us fall...
For...our work is good,
We hope to plant a nation,
Where none before hath stood.> 1610RR002
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1610RR002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Richard Rich, poem.