count so valuable, as a knowledge of the actions of celebrated men; a knowledge acquired by a long experience of modern times, and by an assiduous perusal of the ancients. The observations which I made with all the accuracy, reflection, and care of which I was capable, are contained in the small volume which I now address to you; not because I conceive it worth your acceptance, but because I am persuaded that your goodness will not refuse the offering; inasmuch as it was out of my power to present you with any thing more interesting than a work which will enable you to attain, in a short period, all the experience that I acquired in the space of many years continual meditation and sufferings in the school of adversity.
You will not find in this fragment either a glowing or lofty style, nor indeed any of those vain ornaments with which authors seek to embellish their works. If mine has the good fortune to interest you, it will be only from the
