Pandosto - Or the Historie of Dorastus and Fawnia #222069

M TO the gentlemen readers health. The paultring Poet Aphranius, being blamed for troublinge the Emperor Trajan with so many doting Poems, adventured notwithstanding, stil to present him with rude and homely verses, excusing himselfe with the courtesie of the Emper our, which did as friendly accept, as he fondly offerd. So Gentlemen, if any condemne my rashnesse for troubling your cares with to many unlearned Pamphlets: Iwill straight shroud my selfe under the shadowe of your courtesies, and with Aphranius lay the blame on you as well for frendly reading them, as on my selfe for fondly penning them: Hop ing though fond curious, or rather currish backbiters breathe out slaunderous speeches yet the courteous Readers (whom Ifeare to offend) wil requite my travel], at the least with silence: and in this hope I rest wishing you health and happines.