PREFACE

...which arose in a more recent age, demand this of us as if by their own right, since it is fitting to dwell all the more accurately upon those things that touch us more closely, the more manifest is the utility original: "vtilitas." that flows to us from them. I confess that the field I am entering is most vast, and for its traversal, neither the lifespan nor the strength of a single man is sufficient. And yet, I do not allow myself to be moved from my purpose even by that argument.

     It is not within a man's power to set certain limits for his own strength or lifespan; however, whatever of these he has received from God original: "Deo.", he rightly considers it his duty to apply it so that he does not seem to have passed through life in silence, like the cattle which nature has made prone and obedient to their bellies The author is paraphrasing the Roman historian Sallust, who famously wrote that humans should distinguish themselves from animals by seeking glory through the mind rather than bodily appetites.. Therefore, even if I cannot measure out this entire stadium original: "stadium." A classical term for a race-course, used here as a metaphor for a long, difficult intellectual journey or project., I shall run as far as is permitted by the reasons I have brought forward, by the laws of the office I hold, and by other causes which might bring hindrance to these auspiciously begun efforts.

     Lest, however, that which has been brought to light in this manner should seem imperfect, it is my intention to treat the individual parts of history original: "historiae." in such a way that no part refers back to another; thus, it will ultimately be the same whether the rest follow, or if the thread is broken after only one or two have been exposed to the public light.

     preface, God, histories, utility, race-course This is a translation of the vocabulary list provided at the bottom of the page: "praefatio, Deo, historiae, vtilitas, stadium."