Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/84

 add, that his History never tires, though immediately read after Livy or Tacitus.

In F. Paul's History one may also find the Excellencies before observed in Polybius; and it has been nicely examined by dextrous and skilful Adversaries, who have taken the Pains to weigh every Period, and rectifie every Date. So that, besides the Satisfaction which any other admirable History would have afforded us, we have the Pleasure of thinking that we may safely rely upon his Accounts of Things, without being mis-guided in any one leading Particular of great moment, since Adversaries, who had no Inclination to spare him, could not invalidate the Authority of a Book which they had so great a Desire to lessen. I had gone no further than D'Avila and Strada, if there were as much Reason to believe their Narratives, as there is to commend their Skill in writing. D'Avila must be acknowledged to be a most Entertaining Historian; one that wants neither Art, Genius, nor Eloquence, to render his History acceptable. Strada imitates the old Romans so happily, that those who can relish their Eloquence, will be always pleased with his.

Upon the whole Matter, one may positively say, That where any Thing