The histories I haue gathered according to my skill, and conferred the
greatest part with Maister Wolfe in his life time, to his liking, who
procured me so manie helpes to the furtherance thereof, that I was loth
to omit anie thing that might increase the readers knowledge, which
causeth the booke to grow so great. But receiuing them by parts, and at
seuerall times (as I might get them) it may be, that hauing had more
regard to the matter than the apt penning, I haue not so orderlie
disposed them, as otherwise I ought; choosing rather to want order, than
to defraud the reader of that which for his further vnderstanding might
seeme to satisfie his expectation.

I therefore most humblie beseech your Honour to accept these Chronicles
of England vnder your protection, and according to your wisedome and
accustomed benignitie to beare with my faults; the rather, bicause you
were euer so especiall good Lord to Maister Wolfe, to whom I was
singularlie beholden; and in whose name I humblie present this rude
worke vnto you; beseeching God, that as he hath made you an instrument
to aduance his truth, so it may please him to increase his good gifts in
you, to his glorie, the furtherance of the Queenes Maiesties seruice,
and the comfort of all hir faithfull and louing subiects.

Your Honours most humble to be commanded,

RAPHAEL HOLINSHED




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