Sot-Weed Factor English 2200

I read the first forty lines of the Sot-Weed Factor by Ebenzer Cook.  According to what I read, I think it is about Ebenzer traveling to the new world from England.  He was on the ship for three months traveling to the new world, and went through a lot during that time period.  Through terrible storms and other passengers having illnesses, they all made it through those terrible months, and finally made it to the new world. I think that's what I basically read. I am somewhat confused in the beginning. "Plagues worse than fill'd Pandora's Box," what does that mean? What else was he scared of during the voyage? Why was he traveling to the new world?