The author has availed himself largely of the _Chronicon_ _Boemorum_[17] of Cosmas, particularly when dealing with the most ancient records of Bohemia. He indeed in his preface refers to Cosmas as his principal authority, while stating that he also had access to the records of various monasteries, which he enumerates. The intense patriotic feeling that animated the writer shows very clearly in his preface. He writes: "Many search for historical tales--But they heed not those of their own country--Acting thus unwisely and strangely--Treating their own nation unfavourably--For had some one but sought glory there--Books about his own country he would have found--By which he could have known what is our race--Learnt from whence we came.--I have long searched for such books--Ever have I desired--That some learned man should undertake--To connect (in one work) all the deeds of the Bohemians;--Up to now have I desired this--Till I truly ascertained--That no one will undertake (to do) this--Therefore I must myself undertake (this task)." Then follows the passage already referred to, in which the author declares his indebtedness to Cosmas as well as to the chronicles of Prague, Breznov, Opatovic, and Vyšehrad. The preface ends thus: "Vain words I will as far as possible avoid--But yet set down my whole meaning clearly--That every one may thus learn more willingly--And have more regard for his nation.--Hearing my speech, the wise man will become yet wiser--The sad man will be freed from sadness.--I have written this down plainly--And I beg that a better man--May for the glory of our country--And because of the craft of our enemies--Improve my words by fair rhymes--And embellish the subject with brilliant speech--But he should not jeer at me--Saying, he meddles with what he does not understand--Of one thing I am full certain--That I have my nation much at heart--That has encouraged me in this work--That has aroused my energy." The first part of the book narrates the well-known tales of the making of Bohemia; the appearance of Čech and his companions in the land; their settlement near the mountain Rip; the adventures of Krok, Premysl, and Libussa; and the deeds of the early Premyslide princes. All these semi-mythical tales are related in very much the same manner in which Cosmas had told them two centuries before, and Hayek was to tell them two centuries later.