TO THE READER. 



Reader, 



That nothing in this might deter a common eye, the 

 quotations are translated, not xcitu ttoIus, but as might 

 best serve the sense and scope of the Author : yet I be- 

 lieve thou wilt find little in the English, which is not 

 warranted by the original, or (which is more) by the 

 truth. I invite none to it, but such as desire to be just 

 valuers, and loyal observers of a good conscience. Now, 

 if thou be not banished bv the verdict of thine own breast, 

 thou art welcome ; otherwise read it, not as directed to 

 thee, but meant of thee. This book is like a garment 

 in a broker's shop, not designed to any one person, but 

 made for any that it fits. 



My intent was, to represent to you in the general (not 

 mentioning particulars) a cursed, a wicked, but yet a 

 fortunate Politician : it was a good caution that Cassius 

 gave the Senate, concerning Pompey.^ It is foolish to 

 laugh in the face of Dionysius, and dangerous to shrug 

 before Andronicus : it is not good to tempt the displea- 

 sures of tyrants upon idle scores; a thin shield will serve 

 to keep out the style of a satirist ; nor can I commend 

 him that lost his bishoprick for a romance. 



Therefore I brand not persons, but things ; and if any 

 man's guilt flashes in his face when he reads, let him 

 mend the error, and he is unconcerned. It is to no pur- 



* Nos ilium deridemub, sed timeo ne ille nos gladio »»«- 



