46

TO THE READER.

persons, who are the soul and body of it, not to vindicate them from theambitious plagiary, the insults of scoffers and injurious men. Certainly,persons of right noble and subacted principles, who are lovers of theircountry, should be otherwise affected, and rather strive to encourage andpromote endeavours tending to so generous a design, than decry it;especially when it costs them nothing but their civility to so manyobliging persons, though they should hitherto have entertained them butwith some innocent diversions. To conclude, we envy none their dues ;nay, we gratefully acknowledge any lights which we receive either fromhome or from abroad; we celebrate and record the names of those whogive them amongst our benefactors; recommend them to the public jand what we thus freely give, we hope as freely to receive.

Thus have I endeavoured to vindicate the Royal Society from someaspersions and encroachments it hitherto has suffered, and showed underwhat weights and prefsure this palm does still emerge ; and if for all thisI fall short of my attempt, I shall yet have this satisfaction, that though Iderive no glory from my own abilities, sensible of my great defects, I shallyet deserve their pardon for my zeal to its prosperity.

<f>I AOSO'MAS 'enriSu/Aeic; wctfcanuvoit,v auroBiV, KotlotytAourUntTo/Aivoz, as xalx-juaamojUiyay era oreAAar as ipivlar, on afya fiAotrafos rifuv eerecnAvAuSt, v.x! oroQty nftiv ccuthof f>vc; ov ll of fur y.h pvt <ryjis' rar ll jhiArirur <roi fct.ivofA.iyay vras iyy, a; voro tv® tv TtlxyfAiye; its rcturny rnv roi^ir fAt/Avmo oti ear /uiy tfAfAim S rolls olutoIs, oi koltol-yiAayJts era Trp’oTifov, vto! trt vrifav Sa.vpAa.ow'lou- lay St ttT%Hns aural', hcrAvy orfOTAtr^nKCtTOtytACOTCC. -E P IC TETUS.

TRANSLATION.

If you resolve to make wisdom and virtue the study and businefs ofyour life, you must be sure to arm yourself before-hand against all theinconveniencies and discouragements that are like to attend this resolu-tion. Imagine that you shall meet with many scoffs, and muchderision; and that people will upbraid you with turning philosopherall on the sudden; and ask in scorn, What is the meaning of all thisaffected gravity, and these disdainful looks ? But be not you affected,or supercilious, only stick close to whatever you are in your judgment