Chapter V: Part 5

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, 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:

- Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - Text enclosed by equals is in blackletter (=blackletter=). - Blank pages have been removed.