of the vulgar, preserved in old English and Norse rhymes handed down to us, and which I set as instantiæ crucis, for our curious modern philosophers to examine, and give διόλίς to their Όλις"
At the present day, whatever we may think of Aubrey's credulity, all folk-lorists are glad that he did not "disdain to quote" the proverbs, sayings, and traditions of the people.
With regard to the notes which I have here and there added, a word or two of explanation seems needed. When I undertook to edit the work at the request of the Council of the Folk-Lore Society, I had hoped that these would be much more numerous, and that I should have obtained much help in my work from those who were far more fitted than myself to undertake the task. I regret to say that, although the work was sent in slip-proof to all the Members of the Council, I have received no assistance whatever from the greater number of them. I do not wish to be understood as complaining of this want of assistance—I know too well what it is to be more than fully occupied—but I mention this as tending to explain the fewness of the notes. Mr. Coote has given me one or two notes which will be found in the Appendix (I.), and to him and to Mr. Satchell I am indebted for much help in verifying the classical quotations. Mr. Solly has kindly assisted me on one or two points, and Mr. Gomme has been, as he always is, helpful. The authorities at the British Museum, with their usual courtesy, gave every facility for the transcription of the MS.
