25
We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.
26
Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;
27
Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly this great pains;
28
Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.
29
For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.
30
To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story:
31
But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.
32
Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.