TRANSLATOR
TO THE
READER. A Prejudate eye much lessens the nobleness of the Subject. Bacons name may bring at the first an inconvenience to the Book, but Bacons ingenuity will recompence it ere he be solidly read. This as an Apology is the usher to his other Workes, which may happily breath a mor free Air hereafter, when once the World sees how clear he was, from loving Negromacy. 'Twas the Popes smoak which made the eyes of that Age so sore, as they could not discern any open hearted and clear headed soul from an heretical Phantasme. The silly Fryers envyinghis too prying head by their craft had almost got it off his shoulders. It's dangerous to be wiser than that multitude, for that unruly Beast will have every over-topping head to be lopped shorter, lest it plot, ruine, or stop the light, or shadow its extravagancies. How famous this Frier is in the judgment of both godly and wise men. I referre you to the Probatums of such men, whose single Authorities were of sufficiency to equallize a Jury of others; and as for the Book, I refer it to thy reading. As for myself, I refer me to him, whom I serve, and hope thou wilt adore.