PREFACE. NATHAN BEN SADDI, a servant of God, of the house of Israel, to all and every of his readers, whether Jew or Gentile, greeting. Notwithstanding that many have taken in hand to write the History of England, it seemed good unto me also, most excellent reader, to set forth in order some things that have happened since the conquest of William the Norman. Now this I have chosen to do in the manner of our forefathers, the ancient Jewish historians, as being not only the most concise, but most venerable way of writing. Howbeit, I would not that thou shouldest be offended, or take in evil part, that I have adventured to imitate those sublime originals; neither let it enter into thine heart, that I have done this thing in sport, or wantonness of wit; for verily I abound not therewith, as thou wilt undoubtedly perceive. Nevertheless, in perusing this delectable history, thou wilt meet with abundant matter both for information and amusement, and peradventure also for instruction. And it shall come to pass when thou readest of the foolish kings that have ruled the land, then shall thy soul be troubled, and thou shalt say within thyself, How small a portion of sense sufficeth to govern a great kingdom! But when thou readest of the kings that were wise and great, then shall thy heart be glad, and thou shalt compare the passed times with the present, and rejoice therein, and laugh exceedingly. Moreover thou wilt find, that the end of the first was bitterness and shame, but the end of the last was glory and honour: These shall be set up as a light unto kings in all ages, but those as a warning from generation to generation. |