THE TRUE STATE OF ICELAND ad. 



1593- 



Namely that gathering together and laying up in store 



those things which might be applied to succour the 

 fame and credite of our nation, having now this long 

 time bene oppressed with strangers, through the envie 

 of certeine malicious persons, I boldly adventure to pre- 

 sent these fewe meditations of mine unto the viewe of the 

 world, and so hoysing up sailes to commit my selfe unto 

 a troublesome sea, and to breake foorth into the like 

 speeches with him : That I should write necessitie urgeth : 

 but that my writings in all places should satisfie every 

 delicate taste, or escape all peevishnes of carpers it urgeth 

 not. I doubt not but many will allow this my enter- 

 prise : the successe perhaps all men will not approve. 

 Nevertheles, I thought that there was greater regard to 

 be had of my countrey, susteining so many mens mocks 

 and reproches, then of mine owne praise or dispraise, 

 redounding perhaps unto me upon this occasion. For 

 what cause should move me to shunne the envie and 

 hate of some men, being joyned with an indevour to 

 benefite and gratifie my countrey ? 



But if I shall seeme somewhat too bold in censuring The errors of 

 the errors of writers, or too severe in reprehending the ^^^ enters of 

 slanders of some men : yet I hope all they will judge ^^^^ 

 indifferently of me, who shall seriously consider, how 

 intolerable the errors of writers are, concerning our 

 nation : how many also and how grievous be the re- 

 proches of some, against us, wherewith they have sundry 

 wayes provoked our nation, and as yet will not cease to 

 provoke. They ought also to have me excused in regard 

 of that in-bred affection rooted in the hearts of all men, 

 towards their native soile, and to pardon my just griefe 

 for these injuries offered unto my countrey. And I in 

 very deed, so much as lay in me, have in all places 

 moderated my selfe, and have bene desirous to abstaine 

 from reproches : but if any man thinke, we should have 

 used more temperance in our stile, I trust, the former 

 reason will content him. 



Sithens therefore, I am to undergoe the same hazard, 



91 



