The subjects to which I would ask each of my readers to devote his earnest attention are these - the life and morals of the community the men and the qualities by which through domestic policy and foreign war dominion was won and extended. § 1.pr.9 But whatever opinions may be formed or criticisms passed upon these and similar traditions, I regard them as of small importance. I, on the other hand, shall look for a further reward of my labours in being able to close my eyes to the evils which our generation has witnessed for so many years so long, at least, as I am devoting all my thoughts to retracing those pristine records, free from all the anxiety which can disturb the historian of his own times even if it cannot warp him from the truth. I have very little doubt, too, that for the majority of my readers the earliest times and those immediately succeeding, will possess little attraction they will hurry on to these modern days in which the might of a long paramount nation is wasting by internal decay. It goes back beyond 700 years and, after starting from small and humble beginnings, has grown to such dimensions that it begins to be overburdened by its greatness. The subject, moreover, is one that demands immense labour. § 1.pr.3 However this may be, it will still be a great satisfaction to me to have taken my part, too, in investing, to the utmost of my abilities, the annals of the foremost nation in the world with a deeper interest and if in such a crowd of writers my own reputation is thrown into the shade, I would console myself with the renown and greatness of those who eclipse my fame.
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