The Epistle Dedicatory.
Concerning the Book, Sir, it is a Subject that gives Posterity such a View of the decays of Time, and the Inconstancy of Fortune, as the like cannot, perhaps, be produced in the History of any other Nation. Since of all that number of Monastick Foundations in England and Wales, the continued Work of many Ages, by which the greatest Kings, Princes, and Noblemen of this Island were once thought to have eternized their names, and in those magnificent and costly Structures to have built themselves so many Monuments as lasting as the Earth they stood on, not one remains at this day; nay the very Ruines of many are become invisible. To this purpose (tho' on a different occasion) a modern French Poet hath well exprest himself in these Lines,
Aussi le temps a fait sur ces Masses hautaines
D'ilustres chastimens des Vanitez humaines.
Ces Tombaux sont tombez, and ces superbes Rois
Sous leur chute font morts une seconde fois.
And yet their Memory still lives in our History and Records; so much more durable and lasting is Paper than Brass and Marble. For this we are heholding to the Labours of your Sir William Dugdale, a Person so highly meritorious in the study, and discovery, of our English Antiquities, that his Reputation can never die among the learned.
Warwickshire has certainly produced two of the most famous and deserving Writers, in their several ways, that England can boast of; a Dugdale, and a Shakespear, both Williams; a name that has been of eminent Grace to this County in many Instances: nor will it ever cease to be so while you are living.
I might here enlarge in your just Encomium, but I fear to displease you even with truth, when it must be so very much to your Commendation. I know your Modesty as well as Merits, and I have ever observed that Praise is most uneasie to those who best deserve it. I will therefore only add that I am,
SIR,
Your very Humble and most Affectionate Servant,
