Page:The Fables of Bidpai (Panchatantra).djvu/110

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14
THE PROLOGUE.

Hebrue by Ioel gran Rabi a Jewe;e; at length reduced into Latine: and passing through many languages became a Spaniarde, with the title of Exemplario: and so in time brought to Venice, and there put into Italian by a company of Gentlemen associated togithers, entituling their Felowship Academia Peregrina: and now lastly out of Italian made Vulgar to us. What high doctrine is conteyned in thys Booke, the diligent and curious searche for the same of so many wise and famous men and of so sundrye nations doth witnesse. If therefore you desire the understanding of Royall Wisdome, spirituall doctrine, ano infinite instructions and examples for man to liue well: read I say this golden Volume. Surely reader, this booke shall be a looking glasse for thee, wherin thou shalt most liuely beholde the daylie and present daungers and deceytes of mans most miserable lyfe, and the eyes of thy understanding shall be made open to descerne the flatteries of disceytfull men, and the wisdome of this most guileful worlde: by meanes whereof yee may easilye blotte out many malignant effects of this (alas) our crooked age. The style is familier and pleasaunt, and wyll much delight thee. For the first and olde Authors