Ludus literarius: or, the grammar schoole shewing how to proceede from the first entrance into learning, to the highest perfection required in the grammar schooles, with ease, certainty and delight both to masters and schollars; onely according to our common grammar, and ordinary classical authours: begun to be sought out at the desire of some worthy fauourers of learning, by searching the experiments of sundry most profitable schoolemasters and other learned, and confirmed by tryall: intended for the helping of the younger sort of teachers, and of all schollars ...

To the louing Reader.

CVrteous Reader, who tenderest the poore Countrey schooles, for which this labour hath beene vndertaken, or didst euer feele or know the wants in many of them, accept my vvilling minde for their good. And take this first impression as not set forth: but chiefely to the end, to haue store of copies, to goe to many learned wel-willers to the Worke, for their help: like as it hath heretofore, to sundry much reuerenced for their learning and wise∣dome. Of all whome, I humbly intreat their kinde assistance, for amending that which is amisse; by adding what is vvanting, cutting off whatsoeuer is superfluous, changing what is vnbefitting, and redu∣cing euery thing into the right order: That it may speedily come forth more plaine and perfect; and thereby, if not themselues, yet their friends may reape some benefit of their labours. For the liberty and boldnesse vsed in it, consider that it is but a Dia∣logue to incite and encourage others; as, I tooke it, farre more profitable and delightsom to reade, then a

bare narration. All who are friendly and vnfained fauourers of good learning, will I hope thinke so of it. It shall wrong no man willingly: farre be that from mee. I will right them againe, so soon as I know it. Be the faults neuer so many, thorough my weak∣nesse and want of meete leasure (as they must needs bee the moe, by my absence from the Presse) yet time, I trust will reforme them. In the meane while, let my trauell and the good things weigh against the rest. For the length of it, remember for whome I write, euen the meanest teachers and learners: with whom though I sometime vse repetitions, I can∣not bee ouer-plaine; sith they commonly get so lit∣tle of short Treatises, be they neuer so learned. Con∣sider also that I would hide nothing, which GOD hath vouchsafed mee in my search: that out of all, the most profitable may be selected, and in the meane time the best onely vsed. And for the matter of the Dialogue, take it as that which is desired to be effe∣cted in time; and which I hope all shall finde, when once the helpes belonging hereunto, shall bee sup∣plied and perfected.

Account this, but as a meere entrance into the worke: which if seuen yeares shall bring to perfecti∣on fully to accomplish that which is wished, I shall thinke my paines most happily bestowed, if GOD so farre forth prolong my daies. I seeke not my self: if I may do some little seruice to God and my Coun∣trey, I haue enough. I oppose my selfe to none. Shew my ouersight in loue, and I will amend it. I prescribe to none: no, not the meanest; but onely desire to learne of all the learned, to help the vn∣learned.

In the worke I take nothing to my selfe, but the wants. What I receiued of others, I receiued to this ende; after full triall made of them to publish them for the common good. This I haue professed from the beginning of my trauell. I would also giue euery one his due particularly, what I haue had of him; and will, if it shall bee thought meete. I haue promised nothing but my labour: that I haue and doe desire to performe to my abilitie and aboue. The vveaker I am, the fitter shall I bee to apply my selfe to the simplest: and the more honour God shall haue, if hee shall giue that blessing vnto it, which I doe humbly begge. If any man shall oppose, and detract from these my labours; forasmuch, as hee shall therein (as I take it) shew himselfe an enemie to the common good of the present Age, and of all po∣steritie (the benefite whereof, as God is my witnesse, I haue intended principally in these my endeauours) I can but be sory, and pray for him.

Thine in Christ, I. B.