Academical discourses upon several choice and pleasant subjects / written by the learned and famous Loredano ; Englished by J.B.

THE Preface.

I Think it will be no smal obliga∣tion, Friendly Reader, to pre∣sent these following Dis∣courses of the Illustrious Loredano to thee. Who having composed them occasionally for the Aca∣demy, intended not they

should appear in this slight dress before such as take the confidence to (ensure the Sun of spots, and can finde a Mole in the fair Face of Venus. He knows that praise is the reward and result of Merit, and that the applause of the Learned is not to be ob∣tained without a more then ordinary Endea∣vour.

He hath often affirmed

that in framing them, he used no greater study or application, than what proceeded from a flowing Vein, summoned by ne∣cessity for quick dispatch; nor expected other ap∣probation then what is due for his blind obedi∣ence to the Laws of the Accademy: acknowledg∣ing that things done by chance rarely succeed with praise: That the Painters Temerity and

Fortune, who accidental∣ly dashed his Pencil, so happily on his imperfect Picture as to finish it, was above Hope or Ex∣pectation succesful: That the operations of the mind are of too great impor∣tance to be left to the unsteady conduct of For∣tune: and that although he ever was desirous to plead excuse for the im∣becilities of his works, yet he never pretended to so

much confidence for his Negligence.

But I, who am acquain∣ted with the perfections of his Genius, which makes his modesty become an Addition to his other glories; and who knew that even what he produ∣ces without study cannot be ascribed to chance, be∣cause Fortune alone can∣not guide that quil which not wearied with its hap∣py flights through Italy,

hath soared higher and passed into remoter Re∣gions, being by all Virtuo∣soes esteemed as a Mi∣neral, that can produce no∣thing of meaner Value then Gold, have courted him with so many repea∣ted Perswasions and In∣treaties, as have at length overcome his Nicety, and made him condiscend to allow me the disposal of them as I thought fit∣test.

Indeed he engaged me to advertise thee to consi∣der on what occasions they were composed, that you might not expect such so∣lid pieces, as some others he hath and may set forth, this being but the Sport, the other the Labor of the Brain and Pen.

The Illustrious Lo∣redano, not satisfied with these Writings, but knowing he can do better,

supposeth he shall be judged of others, as he judges of himself. Whereas I am confident, these Discourses will not want ap∣plause, and the care I have taken, that they should not die in obscu∣rity, will be gratefully accepted.

The Errours of the Press which like other corruptions of this Age, are very rife & spread∣ing, are left to thy Civility for Pardon. Bear with them, Judi∣cious Reader, and remembring what thou art, consider how much humanity is subject to mistake.