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THE FIRST BOOK OF THE NATURAL HISTORY BY C. PLINIUS SECUNDUS.
The Preface to Vespasian[1] his [friend] C. Plinius Secundus sendeth greeting.
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HESE Books, containing the History of Nature, which a few days since I brought to
Light (a new work among the Romans, your Citizens), I purpose by this Epistle of mine to present and consecrate unto you, most gentle Prince (for this Title[2] accordeth fittest unto you, seeing that the Name of [Most mighty][3] sorteth well with the Age of your Father:) which haply might seem boldness and presumption in me, but that I know how at other Times you were wont to have some good Opinion of my light Matters.[4] Where, by the Way, you must give me Leave to soften a little the Verses which
