Prefaces to Fiction by Various
page 24 of 56 (42%)
page 24 of 56 (42%)
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Finally, Reader, such Censors may set their hearts at rest for this particular, and leave me there, for I assure them, that _Justiniano_ is of a condition to command over the whole Earth; and that _Isabella_ is of a House, and Gentlewoman good enough, to make Knights of the _Rhodes_, if she have children enough for it, and that she have a minde thereunto. But setting this jesting aside, and coming to that which regards the _Italian_ names, know that I have put them in their natural pronunciation. And if you see some Turkish words, as _Alla_, _Stamboll_, the _Egira_, and some others, I have done it of purpose, Reader, and have left them as Historical marks, which are to pass rather for embellishments than defests. It is certain, that imposition of names is a thing which every one ought to think of, and whereof nevertheless all the World hath not thought: We have oftentimes seen Greek Names given to barbarous Nations, with as little reason as if I should name an English man _Mahomet_, and that I should call a Turk _Anthony_; for my part I have believed that more care is to be had of ones with; and if any one remarks the name of _Satrape_ in this _Romanze_, let him not magine that my ignorance hath confounded the ancient and new Persia, and that I have done it without Authority, I have an example thereof in _Vigenere_, who makes use of it in his Illustrations upon _Calchondila_; and I have learned it of a _Persian_, which is at _Paris_, who saith, that by corruption of speech they call yet to this day the Governours of Provinces, _Soltan Sitripin_. Now lest some other should further accuse me for having improperly named _Ibrahim_'s House a Palace, since all those of quality are called _Seraglioes_ at _Constantinople_, I desire you to remember that I have done it by the counsel of two or three excellent |
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