end the former, and rejecting the latter, as one desirous to set forth
the truth absolutely, or such things indeed as were most likely to be
true. The last comfort arose by mine own reading of such writers as have
heretofore made mention of the condition of our country, in speaking
whereof, if I should make account of the success and extraordinary coming
by sundry treatises not supposed to be extant, I should but seem to
pronounce more than may well be said with modesty, and say further of
myself than this treatise can bear witness of. Howbeit, I refer not this
success wholly unto my purpose about this Description, but rather give
notice thereof to come to pass in the penning of my Chronology, whose
crumbs as it were fell out very well in the framing of this pamphlet. In
the process therefore of this book, if your Honour regard the substance of
that which is here declared, I must needs confess that it is none of mine
own; but, if your Lordship have consideration of the barbarous composition
shewed herein, that I may boldly claim and challenge for mine own, since
there is no man of any so slender skill that will defraud me of that
reproach which is due unto me for the mere negligence, disorder, and evil
disposition of matter comprehended in the same. Certes I protest before
God and your Honour that I never made any choice of style, or words,
neither regarded to handle this treatise in such precise order and method
as many other would have done, thinking it sufficient, truly and plainly
to set forth such things as I minded to intreat of, rather than with vain
affectation of eloquence to paint out a rotten sepulchre, a thing neither
commendable in a writer nor profitable to the reader. How other affairs
troubled me in the writing hereof, many know, and peradventure the
slackness shewed herein can better testify; but, howsoever it be done, and
whatsoever I have done, I have had an especial eye unto the truth of
things, and, for the rest, I hope that this foul frizzled treatise of mine
will prove a spur to others better learned, more skilful in chorography,
and of greater judgment in choice of matter to handle the selfsame
argument. As for faults escaped herein, as there are divers I must needs
confess both in the penning and printing, so I have to crave pardon of
your Honour and of all the learned readers. For such was my shortness of
time allowed in the writing, and so great the speed made in printing, that
I could seldom w