To the Reader.

I have had some internal struggle original: "Contest with my self" in the arrangement original: "Disposall" of this work original: "Piece", the subject being contrary original: "crosse" to the spirit original: "Genius" of the times, which is both corrupt and spiteful original: "Splenetic" — referring to the medical theory of the four humors, where an excess of "black bile" from the spleen was thought to cause irritability and melancholy. It was my desire to keep it private original: "within Doores", but the connection original: "Relation" it bears to my former writings original: "Discourses" has forced it to the press. It is the last mirror original: "Glasse" of my thoughts; and since their first reflection original: "Reflex" was not complete, I have added this to perfect their image and symmetry. I must confess I have no reason for it, but what