THEY that feare the stinging of waspes make fannes of peacocks
tailes, whose spots are like eyes; and Lepidus, which could not
sleepe for the chattering of birds, set up a beast whose head was
like a dragon;[754] and wee, which stand in awe of report, are
compelled to set before our owle Pallas shield,[755] thinking by
her vertue to cover the others deformity. It was a signe of 5
famine to Ægypt when Nylus flowed lesse than twelve cubites or
more than eighteene: and it may threaten despaire unto us if wee
be lesse courteous than you looke for or more cumbersome. But,
as Theseus, being promised to be brought to an eagles nest, and,
travailing all the day, found but a wren in a hedge, yet said, 10
"This is a bird," so, we hope, if the shower[756] of our swelling
mountaine seeme[757] to bring forth some elephant, performe but
a mouse, you will gently say, "This is a beast." Basill softly
touched yieldeth a sweete sent, but chafed in the hand, a ranke
savour: we feare, even so, that our labours slily[758] glanced 15
on will breed some content, but examined to the proofe, small
commendation. The haste in performing shall be our excuse. There
went two nights to the begetting of Hercules; feathers appeare not
on the Phœnix under seven moneths; and the mulberie is twelve in
budding: but our travailes are like the hares, who at one time 20
bringeth forth, nourisheth, and engendreth againe,[759] or like the
brood of Trochilus,[760] whose egges in the same moment that they
are laid become birds. But, howsoever we finish our worke, we crave
pardon if we offend in matter, and patience if wee transgresse in
manners. Wee have mixed mirth with councell, and discipline 25
with delight, thinking it not amisse in the same garden to sow
pot-hearbes that wee set flowers. But wee hope, as harts that cast
their hornes, snakes their skins, eagles their bils, become more
fresh for any other labour, so, our charge being shaken off, we
shall be fit for greater matters. But least, like the Myndians, 30
wee make our gates greater than our towne,[761] and that our play
runs out at the preface, we here conclude,--wishing that although
there be in your precise judgements an universall mislike, yet we
may enjoy by your wonted courtesies a generall silence.