26
For those of us who engage in the strenuous task of abbreviation, it isn't easy but involves sweat and loss of sleep,
27
just as it isn't easy to prepare a banquet for the enjoyment of others. Nevertheless, in order to gain the praise of many, we endure the task cheerfully.
28
Leaving the responsibility for accuracy in the details to the original writer, we must follow the guidelines for preparing a summary.
29
Just as the builder of a new house must give thought to the foundation of the whole, so also the one attempting to paint and decorate must investigate what is suitable for its own decoration. This I think also applies to us.
30
The duty of the first author of the history is to occupy the ground, to explore the subject fully, and to inquire closely into the details in particular.