The following pages should not go forth into the world without due
acknowledgment being made to that worthy old Dominie, Richard Johnson,
to whose erudite but somewhat unreadable work the author is so largely
indebted. As he flourished at the end of the sixteenth century, and the
commencement of the seventeenth, great allowances should be made for his
style, which is certainly not suited to the taste of this generation.
It is to be hoped that the present version, while much of his vivid
imagery is retained, may be free from his more glaring errors. And,
thus quoting the Dominie's dedication:--
"To all courteous readers The Author wisheth encrease of vertuous
knowledge.
"Gentle readers, in kindness accept my labours, and be not like the
chattering cranes, nor Momus' mates, that carp at everything. What the
simple say I care not; what the spightful speak I pass not; only the
censure of the conceited I stand unto; that is the mark I aym at; whose
good likings if I obtain, I have won my race; if not, I faint in the
first attempt, and so lose the quiet of my happy goal.
"Yours in kindness and command,--
"R.J."