Romaquanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet,How greatRomewas, her ruines yet declare.Opinions fancied to the contrary, I have rendred improbable, the Authors of them in respect of thisAntiquitybeing not only modern; but also, what said by themRomance-like hatched out of their own brains,Camd. fo. 8.even as other fables invented by them, touching theBritainsof old. Men possest neverthelesse, with a former conceit of things, endure not by any means new opinions, having not commonly patience to search long after the truth thereof. To them, ever the more generally received, the truer things seem, accounting all of their own time despicable; insomuch, as some are so far in love with vulgarly receiv’d reports, that it must be taken for truth, whatsoever related by them, though nor head, nor tail, nor foot, nor footstep in it oftentimes of reason or common sense. They that beleeveGeffrey Monmouths ipse dixit, may make themselves merry therewith; in pleasing their own fancy, they displease not mine. As I have delivered my own judgement freely, all reason theyshould enjoy theirs. But such as sail in the vast Ocean of time, amongst the craggy rocks ofAntiquity, steering their course, betwixt anciently approved customs, and convincing arguments, guided by good Authority, and sound judgement, arrive much safer, and with better repute, in the secure Haven of undoubtedTruth. For mine own part, I had rather erre happily with venerableAntiquity, then so much as trouble my thoughts with modern conceits. Whether, in this adventure, I have wasted my Barque into the wishedPortofTruthsdiscovery concerningStoneheng, I leave to the judgement of skilfullPilots. I have endevoured, at least, to give life to the attempt, trending perhaps, to such a degree, as either may invite others to undertake the Voyage anew, or prosecute the same in more ample manner, in which, I wish them their desired successe, and that with prosperous gales they may make a more full and certain discovery.FINIS.
Romaquanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet,How greatRomewas, her ruines yet declare.
Romaquanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet,How greatRomewas, her ruines yet declare.
Romaquanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet,How greatRomewas, her ruines yet declare.
Romaquanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet,
How greatRomewas, her ruines yet declare.
Opinions fancied to the contrary, I have rendred improbable, the Authors of them in respect of thisAntiquitybeing not only modern; but also, what said by themRomance-like hatched out of their own brains,Camd. fo. 8.even as other fables invented by them, touching theBritainsof old. Men possest neverthelesse, with a former conceit of things, endure not by any means new opinions, having not commonly patience to search long after the truth thereof. To them, ever the more generally received, the truer things seem, accounting all of their own time despicable; insomuch, as some are so far in love with vulgarly receiv’d reports, that it must be taken for truth, whatsoever related by them, though nor head, nor tail, nor foot, nor footstep in it oftentimes of reason or common sense. They that beleeveGeffrey Monmouths ipse dixit, may make themselves merry therewith; in pleasing their own fancy, they displease not mine. As I have delivered my own judgement freely, all reason theyshould enjoy theirs. But such as sail in the vast Ocean of time, amongst the craggy rocks ofAntiquity, steering their course, betwixt anciently approved customs, and convincing arguments, guided by good Authority, and sound judgement, arrive much safer, and with better repute, in the secure Haven of undoubtedTruth. For mine own part, I had rather erre happily with venerableAntiquity, then so much as trouble my thoughts with modern conceits. Whether, in this adventure, I have wasted my Barque into the wishedPortofTruthsdiscovery concerningStoneheng, I leave to the judgement of skilfullPilots. I have endevoured, at least, to give life to the attempt, trending perhaps, to such a degree, as either may invite others to undertake the Voyage anew, or prosecute the same in more ample manner, in which, I wish them their desired successe, and that with prosperous gales they may make a more full and certain discovery.
FINIS.