his intent in that behalfe, he procured me to take in hand the
collection of those histories, and hauing proceeded so far in the same,
as little wanted to the accomplishment of that long promised worke, it
pleased God to call him to his mercie, after fiue and twentie yeares
trauell spent therein; so that by his vntimelie deceasse, no hope
remained to see that performed, which we had so long trauelled about.
Neuerthelesse those whom he put in trust to dispose his things after
his departure hence, wishing to the benefit of others, that some fruit
might follow of that whereabout he had imployed so long time, willed me
to continue mine indeuour for their furtherance in the same. Which
although I was redie to doo, so far as mine abilitie would reach, and
the rather to answere that trust which the deceassed reposed in me, to
see it brought to some perfection: yet when the volume grew so great as
they that were to defraie the charges for the impression, were not
willing to go through the whole, they resolued first to publish the
histories of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with their descriptions;
which descriptions, bicause they were not in such readinesse, as those
of forren countries, they were inforced to vse the helpe of other better
able to doo it than my selfe.

Moreouer, the Charts, wherein Maister Wolfe spent a great part of his
time, were not found so complet as we wished: and againe, vnderstanding
of the great charges and notable enterprise of that worthie Gentleman
maister Thomas Sackford, in procuring the Charts of the seuerall
prouinces of this realme to be set foorth, we are in hope that in time
he will delineate this whole land so perfectlie, as shall be comparable
or beyond anie delineation heretofore made of anie other region; and
therefore leaue that to his well deserued praise. If any well willer
will imitate him in so praiseworthie a worke for the two other regions,
we will be glad to further his endeuour with all the helpes we may.