Francisci Porti Cretensis... In omnes Sophoclis tragoedias prolegomena, ut vulgo vocantur

EPISTLE.

...tim, who, because they no longer dwell in these lands, cannot reveal their own mind nor defend their own opinion against the importunate envy of detractors, it is well known that it is a very dangerous thing to make a judgment. Add to this that we have fallen into such a severity of times, or rather a malevolence Greek: andereian, which praises and admires only its own, while disparaging and rejecting the works of others. Therefore, I was rightly deterred from publishing my father's writings. Nevertheless, I could not remain in my proposed plan and decided resolve; but I was compelled to yield to the daily prayers of friends, to whose most honorable wishes I hope we might respond. I confess, certainly and candidly, that the work would have been far better and more perfect if God had given the author himself a longer life. Yet, out of the affection with which I pursue the happy memory of my parent, I have done what men who are neither malevolent nor morose could expect, given the feebleness of our powers. And although in some places of the Pindaric edition there was a grave error due to the imprudence of the printer's proofreader (which indeed brought us the greatest annoyance), I see, however, that these commentaries of my father have been kindly received by many men of no common learning. This, therefore, has given us courage, and has caused us to take care with greater alacrity that the remaining paternal writings, which we have at present, be sent to the press. Meanwhile, however, while the printer