Dedicatory.

...not but that I might say to you as Plotinus, a famous philosopher in Rome, said to Origen when he entered into his school to hear him read, who presently at Origen's aspect, rubore suffusus, blushing, ceased to speak. Origen Porphyr. in vita Plot. requested him to proceed; Plotinus replied that it was time for a professor to hold his peace when his auditors beforehand knew what he intended to teach. You need not learn from me those things which, both by study and practice, you have attained; yet it is no small comfort for a man to see either that which he knows confirmed, or that which he does approved. If these humble labors shall content your Honor, I wish no other recompense; for that which pleases you in this kind, I know will not displease the best; and that which pleases the best, by right reason, should be a good inducement to content all. If these blasted leaves be acceptable to your Lordship, when the fruits are ripe, you shall receive a fatter crop; in the meantime, Jesus Christ preserve you in His grace, protect you from your enemies, and deliver you from inordinate passions.