contrary advantages were wanting. Thus then, Sir, by emboldning me to this rash attempt, you have given opportunitie to the _Greek_ and _Latin_ to Triumph over our _Mother tongue_. Yet I would not have the honour of the Countries or Languages engaged in the comparison, but that the inequality should reach no farther than the Authors. But I have much reason to fear the just indignation of that excellent Person, (the present Ornament and Honour of our Nation) whose way of writing I imitate: for he may think himself as much injured by my following him, as were the Heavens by that bold mans counterfeiting the sacred and unimitable noise of Thunder by the sound of Brass and Horses hoofs. I shall onely say for my self, that I took _Cicero_’s advice, who bids us in imitation propose the Noblest pattern to our thoughts; for so we may be sure to be raised above the common Level, though we come infinitely short of what we aim at. Yet I hope that renowned Poet will have none of my crimes any way reflect on himself; for it was not any fault in the excellent Musician, that the weak Bird, indeavouring by straining its throat, to follow his Notes, destroyed her self in the Attempt. Well, Sir, by this, that I have chosen rather to expose my self than be disobedient, you may guess with what zeal and hazard I strive to approve my self, =SIR=, _Your most Humble and Affectionate Servant_, ~THO. SPRAT~. [Illustration: (decorative border)] ~THUCYDIDES~, Lib. 2. As it is excellently Translated by Mr. _Hobbs_. _In the very beginning of Summer, the_ Peloponnesians, _and their_ Confederates, _with two thirds of their forces, as before invaded_ Attica, _under the conduct of_ Archidamus, _the son of_ Zeuxidamas, _King of_ Lacedæmon, _and after they had encamped themselves, wasted the Countrey about them_.