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The Preface to the Chronológie.
HErein I present the Reader with a generall view and synopsis of the whole storie of the age of the Holy VVarre; that he may see the coherence be∣twixt the East and the West, and in what equipage and correspondencie of time the Asian affairs go on with those of Europe: for they will reflect a mutuall lustre and plainnesse on one another.
The Chronologie is marshalled into Rankes and Files: The Ranks, or transverse spaces, contain twenty years on a side; the Files, or columnes directly downward, are appropriated to those severall States whose name they bear.
In the six first columnes I have followed Helvicus with an impli∣cite faith, without any remarkable alteration, both in ingraffing of yeares and making them concurre, as also leaving sometimes emptie spaces. In the other columnes I have followed severall authours, and left the years unnoted where the time was uncertain; counting it better to bring in an Ignoramus then to find a verdict where the evidence was doubtfull and obscure.
Such long notes as would not be imprisoned within the grates of this Chronologie, we have referred by asterisks to the foot of the page.
Know that every note belongeth to that yeare wherein it begin∣neth, except signed with this Θ which reduceth it to the yeare it endeth in.
Br. standeth for Brother: S. Sonne: M. Moneths: D. Dayes. Note, whilest there were Caliphs of Egypt, then the Sultans were but Deputies and Lieutenants; but afterwards the Mama∣luke Sultans were absolute Princes, acknowledging no Superi∣our.