The history of the reigns of Henry the Seventh, Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth, and Queen Mary the first written by the Right Honourable Francis Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban ; the other three by the Right Honourable and Right Reverend Father in God, Francis Godwyn, Lord Bishop of Hereford.

The AUTHOR'S Preface to the READER.

AMong the many who have in Latin compiled the History of our Nation, Polydor Virgil in the opinion of most excelleth: not that he hath written either more truly or copiously, than many others; but more politely, and latest of any that have taken pains in this kind. For indeed it could not be, that a Foreiner, an Italian, well gone in years even at his first arrival in England, (where being made Archdeacon of Wells, he long survived not) should not often erre in the delivery of our Affairs, and in regard of his mere ignorance in the English tongue, in silence bury many worthy passages recorded by our English Writers only. It being therefore to be wished, and is much desired, that some one versed in our Antiquities would (as Learned Master Camden hath already done for the description of the Island) consecrate part of his learned labours to the Eternity of Britain, not in reforming than obsolete Virgilian History, but in composing a new one: Our Antiquaries may justly be taxed of Sloth (I had almost said slothfulness.) who had rather suffer the famous Acts of their Ancestors to dye eternally in silence, and so (as much as in them lieth) defraud their Countrey of its true and deserved Glory, than bestow any the least pains in commenting; that so the examples of most eminent Virtues (whereof the har∣vest here hath ever been most plentiful) might not want the Record of their due Monuments. This I hope some or other will in good time perform. In the mean time, others drawing back, although I was never endued with such eloquence, as that I should dare adventure the writing of an History (but now especially — vires ultra sortemque senectae, when having passed the age of fifty, long desuetude may have dulled my faculty of penning) yet have I thought

it might prove pains-worthy, to undertake briefly in three small Commentaries to set forth the deeds of three Princes, immediate Successors to Henry the Seventh, so far forth as I have had notice of them. And that, partly that by touching at the fountain (as they say) I might stir up the wits of others; partly that the desires of Foreiners might in some sort be satisfied, who not without cause complain, that these times, than which for a thousand years we have had none more memorable, in regard of their divers and remarkable changes, are not described by any, otherwise than slightly, and as if they had not intended any such thing. As for Polydor Virgil, he hath written either nothing or very little concerning them; and that little so false and misbeseeming the ingenuity of an Historian, that he seemeth to have aimed at no other end, than by bitter invectives against Henry the Eighth and Cardinal Wolsey to demerit the favour of Queen Mary, already more than befitted incensed against both for the Divorce of her Mother. I have therefore written (friendly Reader) and so written, that although many things (I will not deny) conducing to an Historian may be wanting in me; yet am I confident, that this my endeavour will find acceptance with many. Other Writers may here have as it were a store-house, from whence they may (if I be not deceived) furnish themselves with some matter, which may help to raise an everlasting Monument. Foreiners also, ignorant of the English tougue, may have a tast of these times, until some one arise, who can and will compile a History of our Nation worthy the majesty of the British name. I have in this work been so observant of Impartiality, Simplicity, and Truth, that I fear no∣thing so much as a Domestick anger for not being pious enough, because I would not be over-pious. Many con∣tend, that a good Prince should be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. This (I think) no man will affirm of an Historian, though some seem to opine it: So that he shall come short of his duty, either to God or his Countrey, who in the delivery of an History will not be at the least 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and who by affirming incertainties and known truths, shall not yield

much to his affections, so they be joyned with the love of Religion and Countrey. But how much do they injure Truth, who from lies and falshood beg helps to underprop her? Avant. We have no need of them. And had we, yet would it not much profit us to rely on such weak advan∣tages; one pious lye detected proving more hurtful, than a thousand others, although so artificially contrived that they avoid discovery, can prove profitable. For example whereof seek no farther than the Papists, whose feigned Miracles, Impostures, and Legends patched up of lyes have brought to pass, that even in those things which are true, they scarce gain belief. Wherefore, I am well content that Truth, which maugre her enemies will at length be every where victorions, shall prevail with me. I have done to my power. Politely, eloquently, politickly, I could not write; Truly, and fide Atticâ, as they say, I could. If I have done amiss in ought, it is not out of malice, but errour, which the gentle Reader will (I hope) pardon. This I earnestly intreat, withal beseeching the All-good and All-mighty God, that this my labour directed to no other end, than to his glory and the good of his Church, may attain its due, and by me desired success.

Farewel.