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 ''that it is only the second Book that peculiarly describes their Undertaking. But for my Excuse I may alledge the Example of many of the Ancients, who have often from the principal Part of their Works given Title to all the rest: In their Imitation, though this Book does treat of many Subjects that are not Historical, yet I have presum'd to name the whole a History, because that was the main End of my Design.''

The Style perhaps in which it is written, is larger and more contentious than becomes that Purity and Shortness which are the chief Beauties of historical Writings: But the Blame of this ought not so much to be, laid upon me, as upon the Detractors of so noble an Institution: For their Objections and Cavils against it, did make it necessary for me to write of it, not altogether in the way of a plain History, but sometimes of an Apology.

Rh