Roma quanta fuit, ipsa ruina docet,
How great Rome was, her ruines yet declare.
Opinions fancied to the contrary, I have rendred improbable, the Authors of them in respect of this Antiquity being not only modern; but also, what said by them Romance-like hatched out of their own brains,Camd. fo. 8. even as other fables invented by them, touching the Britains of 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 beleeve Geffrey 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 they should enjoy theirs. But such as sail in the vast Ocean of time, amongst the craggy rocks of Antiquity, 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 undoubted Truth. For mine own part, I had rather erre happily with venerable Antiquity, then so much as trouble my thoughts with modern conceits. Whether, in this adventure, I have wasted my Barque into the wished Port of Truths discovery concerning Stoneheng, I leave to the judgement of skilfull Pilots. 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.
Errata.
Folio 10. line 6. These words,
[The Romans overthrew not the Temples, or razed to the Foundations, any of the sacred structures of the Druid’s and Britans made of stone, or other materials, which he might as readily have done, if they had used any such: but positively,] should have been printed in the ordinary letter.
| Fo. | Line | Read |
| 18 | 22 | was |
| 28 | 4 | Cappa |
| 38 | 19 | Mercians |
| 49 | 37 | streit |
| 50 | 1 | streit |
| 80 | 23 | the roofe |
Transcriber’s Notes:
- Blank pages have been removed.
- Special font used: “Old English Text MT”.