And sickness brought me near my end.
Now thank I God with joyful song,
Whose constant presence made me strong,
Until I to the end have come,
By ways oft sad and wearisome.
My brethren, take this book, I pray,
With ardent love, and favor, yea,
Which for the truth of God doth burn;
For this my soul doth greatly yearn.
It is time to proceed, in order that we may reach the end. We will conclude this first book, comprising fifteen centuries, the whole of which we had to bring up from the very depths; and proceed to the second, where our labor will not be so great; since the living memoirs of old writers and their accounts will serve us therein. Moreover, the entire work can be comprised in one great century; relying upon which, we take our leave, and turn to the following work, to which the Lord be pleased to grant us his grace, as much as is necessary. Amen.