ABSTRACT
I Alii not ignorant that it is thought as hard a taske for any man to writt the story of his own lyfe, and narrative of his actions, as for ane artist truly to draw his owne picture; yet, haveing proposed to my self to writt only by way of a journall, without makeing any reflections by blameing or commending any of the passages of my lyfe (following herein the counsell of 03to, Nee te laudaveris, nee te eulpaveris ipse), I think it not uneasy ; especially not intending it for publick view, as also leaving to others, if any shall take paines to read it, the free censure of any thing here done. I have mentioned no more of publick effaires as came to my knowledge, relateing rumours for such and thruths for verity. Some publick effaires (military I meane, for with those of state I have medied very litle, being out of my spheare) I have touched in a continued series, and others interlaced with the story of my owne lyfe (defective, I confess, and that for want of documents and intelligence) being such things the most whereof I have been present at and seen myself. To conclude, 1 cannot tell you a better or truer reason for writing this, as that it is to pleaile my owne fancy, not being curious of pleasing any bodyes else, seing omnibus plaoere hath been reckoned as yet among the imposs~·Mlia.
