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BEcause I desire to see thee singu∣lar, I have un∣dertaken in a dwarf-book, to set out a Giant, and in short periods, immortall actions. But to set out a man accomplisht, and such an one as being by nature no king, is yet more by his qualities, will be
a miracle in perfecti∣on.
Seneca would have him endued with prudence, Aesop with subtiltie, Ho∣mer would have him a war∣riour, Aristotle a Philo∣sopher and the Count would have him be a Courtier.
According to this Cha∣racter, having Coppied some Perfections out of the workes of these great Masters: I intend to present thee with a rough draught of an He∣ros. To which purpose I have forg'd this ma∣nuall mirrour made up of other mens Chri∣stalls
and my own Er∣rours. Sometimes it will flatter thee, and then give thee Counsell: Ano∣••••er time thou shalt find in it either what thou art, or what thou shouldest bee.
Here thou shalt find neither Politicks, nor Oeco∣nomicks, but reason of State concerning thine own particular. A Ma∣riners Card to sayl by, till thou arrive at Excellency. An art to become famous with a few rules of discre∣tion.
I write but short, because thy undërstanding is large, and short for the povertie
of mine own thoughts. I will stay thee no lon∣ger that thou maist passe on.
Duke de Lerma.