A decorative woodcut depicts a large sunflower-like motif surrounded by scrolling acanthus leaves.

PREFACE.

Do not wonder, Kind Reader, that I attempt today to bring into the public light Abaris, who has been shrouded in the most obscure shadows until this very day. I confess, and indeed I fear, that he might be greatly hated by all for this very reason: that according to the opinion of some, he drew his origin from the Scythian people, a race considered monstrous, uncultured, and barely different from beasts, and thus despised by all. Yet it cannot be denied in any way that the Scythian nation is treated with the greatest injustice by those who are enemies of the Scythian name. I trust that no one is ignorant of this fact, unless they are entirely unversed in history. For we read that the Scythians were celebrated for their integrity of character, supreme justice, praiseworthy simplicity, and fame for illustrious deeds. Indeed, we read that even the origin of the Germans is to be sought from them, as recorded by the most learned and scholarly men. This is what Boxhorn Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn, a Dutch historian in particular attempted to prove with weighty arguments and his own most excellent talent and singular erudition, which one may observe in the illustrious monuments he made of public law. But let us grant that the Scythians were indeed as their most hostile enemies wish them to be portrayed.