❧ Preface.
ALthough the foundation of this Vniversity was far ancienter, yet because what before this time is reported of it, is both little and doubtfull, and already inserted into the Body of our Ecclesiasticall History; it is early enough to begin the certain History thereof. Farre be it from me to make odious comparisons betweena Jachin and Boaz the two Pillars in Solomons Temple, by preferring either of them for beauty and strength, when both of them are equally admirable. Nor shall I make difference betwixt the Sisters (Coheires of Learning and Religion) which should be the Eldest. In the days of King Henryb the sixth such was the quality of desert betwixt Humphrey Stafford Duke of Buckingham, and Henry Beauchampe Duke of Warwick, that to prevent exceptions about Priority, it was ordered by the Parliament, That they should take pre∣cedency by turns, one one yeare, and the other the next yeare; and so by course were to checquer or exchange their going or setting all the years of their life. Sure I am there needeth no such pains to be took, or provision to be made, about the preeminence of our English Universities, to regulate their places, they having better learned Humility from the Precept of thec Apostle, In honour preferring one another. Wherefore I presume my Aunt Oxford will not be justly offended, if in this Book I give my own Mother the upper hand, and first begin with her History. Thus desiring God to pour his blessing on both, that neither may want Milk for their Children, or Children for their Milk, we proceed to the businesse.