Philadelphus, or a defence of Brutes, and the Brutans history Written by R. H.

TO HIS MOST LOVING BRO∣ther, Master Gabriell Haruey, Doctor of Lawes.

WHen I saw, both how iestingly, and serious∣ly our Historie of Brute was reiected of some auncient and newe bookmen, I tried their maruellous iestes and reasons, and felt them too weake to moue me. Now my Answere is on foot with their Reply, I may iustly hold mine owne, and stand on Brutes side against all challengers that are or will come. I saye, Puissant Brute is no fabulous Prince, but a true example, no counterfeit man, but a corporall possessor of this Iland; let them saye what they can. With this minde I haue here ta∣ken one Essay of our Chronicles in the best historicall Me∣thode that I could make out of the best Historiognomers. I am sure, any Historie is easier for memorie, and readier for vse this way, then any other way, which I haue hither∣to seene in other mens Collections, Tables, Directories, or any such other inuentions: yet as it is proofe, so ap∣proue

it, or reproue it; I am not wedded to myselfe, nor tyed to any sect in the world, but heartily wish euery man to take euerie thing as it is, not as it is made of this and that scribler or pratler, which can tell better, howe to play the mocking Ape, then the iust controller. Almightie God defend you dayly, and amend them one day: you know my minde in all my matters, and that I would those petite Momes had better manners: the schollers head without moderation is like the merchantes purse pennilesse with∣out all credite: I desire that euerie student may smell as the Lillies of Salomon, and that euerie wilde Lilly may be set in his Gardens. I saye, out Hemlocke, out Bramble, out Weedes, and let the bloud of furious Aiax himselfe, saith Ouid, be turned into a pleasant herbe. I write not this, to flatter any that should seeke after me, but to follow you, good Brother, in your last Letters, in whose Example I euer yet dwelt, and am like to dwell, euen till my Soule shall dwell in the Commonwealth of Heauen. I cannot bid you farewell in a better minde, and in this respect I set me rest here, I remember your counsell, and beginne my Essaye. 1592. the 14. of Iune.

Your louing brother R.H.