Memorabilia mundi, or, Choice memoirs of the history and description of the world by G.H.

TO THE READER.

I Present you (Reader) with a novelty, which if your pallate be not wholly vi∣tiated, may generally relish well with you. For the variety of the matter you may call it a kind of Olio, the seasoning of which hath cost me both time and expence; and though it be not of the choicest rarities, it is done at least according to the best of my skill. If by this slender attempt I may pro∣voke any better able more handsomely and regularly to couch a subject attended with so much both profit and pleasure, I think I have done the kind and industrious part of

the world no ill office, who will (though but for this reason) let pass without rigid and supercilious Censure the mean Essay of him, whose ardor to serve them, hath ren∣dred him less seeing in the examination of his own ability. Yet would I not be con∣ceiv'd to know my self and value my pains so little, but that I may merit some thanks, at least from the well tempered measurers of mens intentions: however some there will be (and those not a few) whom I could wish (because I love my self well) might be won to my side) but I fear my single ta∣lent of perswasion will never be able to gain them; for being ill-natured, and therefore doing nothing themselves but mischief, they carry an intense hatred to those that would humbly do good, nay though it be done never so perfectly. What quarter then my poor offering (being sensible to how many exceptions it may be lyable) is like to find among them I well know, but have heart enough not much to fear; e∣specially hoping among the Candid Ingeni∣ous such reception as will amply remunerate

me for all the ill usage I may meet with elsewhere.

Here is a tast then (to you kind Reader I speak it) of what in so useful a Subject might be performed by a more judicious pen, Analects of the History and Descripti∣on of the World, not so choicely nor methodi∣cally handled as might be expected, but yet may serve to refresh your memory after the tedious and ill way of other mighty Vo∣lumes. It were a worthy employ for any that hath parts and leisure to go through with it (in a more acute and accurate man∣ner, not emitting ought memorable) to ex∣tract from those numerous Records of Hi∣story all such short Memoirs as may tend either to instruction or delight. And as he will thereby infinitely oblige both these, whose way of Education may have less qua∣lified them to distinguish the Stars in sail∣ing on the vast Ocean of Story; and those also, whose confinement in time or coin may disenable them for such expensive ways of knowledge: So shall he in particu∣lar find me the most acknowledging of all

his Servants, must esteem mine most happy faults, that have been to him incentives of aspiring to the true glory of Writing better.