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.
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.
31
The one retelling the shorter version should be allowed to pursue conciseness of expression and to be excused from an exhaustive treatment of the matter.
32
From this point then we will begin the narrative, not adding further to what was already said. After all, it would be absurd to prolong the preface but then cut short the history.