As it hath beene, and is yet (worshipfull Sir) a trade commonly vsed among most men, to choose out from a greate number, some one, vnder whose name and title they may publishe their workes: Euen so I (following the steps of the learned, though in all other poyntes most inferiour) hauing finished this little treatise of Bees, and casting with my selfe to whome I mighte presente it, founde my selfe much bounden vnto your worship, both for your gentlenesse which I haue of late tasted, and also for youre friendship which I finde alwayes readie towards me. And therefore hauing none other wayes to recompence the least parte of youre curtesie and gentlenesse, thought it best to gratifie youre worship with such a simple gifte as mine abilitie will suffer me to bestow on such a friend. And although Sir this Treatise is farre dissonant from youre studyes, yet considering your earnest desire to knowledge and learning, and agayne pondering the pleasantnesse of the matter, thoughte this might be made a recreation for your grauer studyes. For when your mind shall bee searching for profound reasons, and oppressed with deepe cogitations, then taking and reading this little Pamphlet, it will bring a forgetfulnesse vnto your former weerynesse, and cause a newe delighte vnto your mind: For heerein may you see, first the maruellous gouernement of the Bees, through the onely instincte of nature, as in theyr obedience to their King, and other officers, in punishing the ydle loyterers, in cherishing the true labourers in theyr manner of fighting, with suche like a greate many, as it is wonderfull to reade, and almost vncredible to beleeue: secondly, the liuely effectes and commodities that arise of theyr Honie and Waxe. And lastly, howe profitable they are for common wealth, and howe necessarie for mans vse, I mighte heerespeake muche in the prayse of the Bee, which all I will omitte, seeyng onely myne intente is to shewe my selfe myndfull of your good turnes and benefites, desiring you to take this in good parte, whyche proceedeth from a well willing minde. And I am sorie that at this presente I had none other matter more worthy to haue gratified your worship withall: but that whiche wanteth in power, aboundeth in good will. Thus troubling your worship no longer, I commit you to the keeping of the Almightie, praying him to increase in you all vertue and godlynesse, and to grant you the long yeares of Nestor. _Yours most bounden Thomas Hill._ [Illustration] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Preface into the instruction of Bees.