The mirror of fortune, or, The true characters of fate and destiny wherein is treated of the growth and fall of empires, the destruction of famous cities, the misfortunes of kings and other great men and the ill fate of virtuous and handsome ladies : whereunto is added Moral, politick, and natural reflection upon several subjects / written in French by Monsieur Chevreau : and newly translated into English by D. Decoisnon.

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.

YOU will wonder Cour∣teous Reader, That a Stranger should under∣take to Write, in your Language, both for the delicacy of it, and the im∣possibility of attaining to it, by any For∣rainer: but I will tell you, that I know∣ing my self as incapable in it, as any other, did not intend that the Translation of this Book, should be exposed to the view of this most Witty Age; but only a bene∣fit to my self, in learning to Write your Language; but having done the most part of it, some Friend flattered me with a perswasion, that it would not be ill

liked, because of the Subject, which be∣ing good, would excuse the Imperfecti∣on of Words, which are not material, but only more pleasing; and I consider∣ing the good Disposition of the Inhabi∣tants of this Island, have ventured into the Ocean of People; knowing, that if I suffer Shipwrack, I shall still find some that will help me out; and if ever I es∣cape this danger, I will endeavor never to fall into it again; and to give you bet∣ter satisfaction on any other occasion, but I despairing of it, must remain dumb, remitting all to your goodness, Farewell.