OF THE 



TRUE GREATNESS 



OF 



THE KINGDOM OF BRITAIN. 



TO KING JAMES. 



&quot; FORfUNATOS NIMIUM SUA SI EONA NORINT.&quot; 



THE greatness of kingdoms and dominions in bulk 

 and territory doth fall under measure and demon 

 stration that cannot err : but the just measure and 

 estimate of the forces and power of an estate is a 

 matter, than the which there is nothing among 

 civil affairs more subject to error, nor that error 

 more subject to perilous consequence. For hence 

 may proceed many inconsiderate attempts, and 

 insolent provocations in states that have too high 

 an imagination of their own forces: and hence may 

 proceed, on the other side, a toleration of many fair 

 grievances and indignities, and a loss of many oppor 

 tunities, in states that are not sensible enough of 

 their own strength. Therefore, that it may the 

 better appear what greatness your majesty hath 

 obtained of God, and what greatness this island hath 

 obtained by you, and what greatness it is, that by 

 the gracious pleasure of Almighty God you shall 

 leave and transmit to your children and generations 

 as the first founder ; I have thought good, as far as 

 I can comprehend, to make a true survey and re- 



