The benefit of History. [ 1523]
LUcius Lucullus being appointed Captain General over the Romane Forces against Mithridates,* 1.1 had not great experience, or knowledg in War, but onely what he had gotten by reading History, yet proved a discreet and Vali∣ant Commander, and vanquish't at that time two of the greatest Princes in the East. Thus it is that History is, and may be the director of meanest Men in any of their actions, how others have behaved themselves upon several occa∣sions, and what hath followed thereupon;* 1.2 It is a trusty Counsellour of State, by whose advice and direction, a Common-weal may be framed, governed, refor∣med, and preserved; an Army may be ordered, Enemies vanquished, and Vi∣ctory obtained; In it, as in a glasse we see and behold Gods providence guiding and ruling the World, and Mens actions which arrive often at unexpected events, and even some times reach unto such ends as are quite contrary to the Actor's intentions; It is a punisher of Vice, presenting aged Folly,* 1.3 green and fresh to Posterity; not suffering Sin to dye, much lesse to be buried in Oblivion; It is also a Re••arder of Vertue, reserving worthy deeds for Imitation; A good Work, though it dye in doing is a Reward to it self, yet that some dull Natures might