ABSTRACT
WISE writers, illustrious sir, usually commence by praising the predecessors of any one of refined and generous mind to whom they intend to present their labours, and then extol their patron himself as much as possible. But it is not requisite for me to do the former, seeing that your predecessors, most illustrious sir, have always been so exalted, that they must ever remain distinguished and famous. Much less need I do the latter, since I should then only waste words in endeavouring to enumerate your infinite virtues and rare good qualities; which would rather require some tuneful Mantuan bard or eloquent Cicero; and even these could only end by saying, that virtue itself, illustrious sir, harbours in your bosom, and that there gentleness and courtesy undoubtedly have their abode. By them invited, and forced indeed by the affection I bear you, to you I consecrate this humble result of my labours. Feeling sure that you will not regard the smallness of the gift, but only my poor powers, since, not having anything more suited to the prudence and gravity of your illustrious Lordship, I bestow with a willing heart all that I have to give : with great reverence
