A good name is like a precious ointment, and I assure myself that your Grace’s name will be so with posterity. Your fortune and merit have both been eminent, and you have planted things that are likely to last.
I now publish my essays, which have been the most popular of all my works. They relate to people’s business and personal lives. I have added more essays and made them longer, so this is a new work. Out of my affection and obligation to you, I have included your name in both English and Latin. I believe that the Latin version, being in a universal language, will last as long as books do.
My Instauration, I dedicated to the King. My Historie of Henry the Seventh, which I have now also translated into Latin, and my Portions of Natural History, to the Prince. And these I dedicate to your Grace, being the best fruits that my pen and labors could yield by the good increase that God gives. May God lead your Grace by the hand. Your Grace’s most obliged and faithful servant, FR. ST.
Alban.
